empaler

impale

verb ahn-pah-LEH Rare

Also means

skewer

Usage Note

Empaler is a vivid, graphic verb used in historical and literary contexts to describe execution by spike. The reflexive s'empaler means to impale oneself accidentally, for instance on a fence or railing. It appears in medieval history texts and thriller fiction more than everyday speech.

Examples

"Le guerrier fut empalé sur une lance."

Natural Translation

The warrior was impaled on a spear.

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