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Definition of impale

impale

/ɪmˈpeɪl/
im · pale
Adjective:impaled
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Past Simple:impaled
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Past Participle:impaled
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Present Participle:impaling
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impale Lexical Profile

impale Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To transfix or pierce with a sharp, pointed instrument or stake.

Example

"Shrike birds are known for their unusual habit of using sharp thorns to impale insects for later consumption."

2

To combine two coats of arms side by side on a single shield divided vertically down the middle (in heraldry).

Example

"Upon their marriage, the royal herald was commissioned to impale the two family crests on a single escutcheon."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for impale

• Rhymes for impale

• Nearby Words

impairer
impairment
impala
impale
impalement
impaler
impart

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French empaler or Medieval Latin impalare, formed from the prefix in- ('into, upon') and Latin palus ('stake'), which is also the root of the English word 'pale' (meaning a fence picket).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Impale. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/impale
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