Definition

1. 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

1. pierce with a sharp stake or point
   • impale a shrimp on a skewer