empale
/im'peil/ Cách viết khác : (empale) /im'peil/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To pierce with a sharp stake or point: To transfix or run through an object or body with a long, pointed object, such as a stake, spear, or skewer.
- To torture or execute by piercing: Historically, to put someone to death by forcing a sharpened stake through the body.
- (Figurative) To cause to be in a state of shock or paralysis: To render someone motionless or speechless, as if pierced, by something sudden or shocking.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- The chef will empale the vegetables on a skewer for the barbecue.
- In the ancient tale, the vampire was empaled through the heart with a wooden stake.
- She was empaled by the sight of the terrible accident, unable to look away or move.
Advanced Usage
- "to empale on": To pierce something onto a specific point or object.
- The insect was empaled on the thorn by the shrike.
- "to empale oneself": To accidentally or intentionally cause a sharp object to pierce one's own body.
- He nearly empaled himself on the rusty fence post when he fell.
Variants and Related Words
- Impale (verb): The more common modern spelling and form of "empale," with identical meanings.
- The synonym "impale" is used far more frequently than "empale."
- Empalement (noun): The act of empaling or the state of being empaled. (Note: "Impalement" is the more common spelling).
- The historical method of execution was empalement.
Synonyms
- Transfix: To pierce through with or as if with a pointed weapon.
- Skewer: To fasten together or pierce with a pin, typically in cooking.
- Spear: To pierce or strike with a spear or similar pointed weapon.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(This word does not commonly form distinct phrasal verbs. The action is typically expressed with prepositions like "on" or "upon.")
Related Idioms
- "To be empaled/impaled on the horns of a dilemma": To be caught in a difficult situation where one must choose between two equally undesirable options.
- He was empaled on the horns of a dilemma, having to choose between his career and his family.
Verb
- pierce with a sharp stake or point
- impale a shrimp on a skewer