impale

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "impale" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means to pierce or transfix with a sharp object, often a stake or spear. Example: The warrior impaled his enemy with his sword, pinning him to the ground.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You want pasta that you can easily impale or scoop with a fork, so spaghetti is out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But those who caused the economy to impale itself on its own greed remain protected from the consequences of their behaviour.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is only so much a manager can learn from Genghis Khan it is no longer practical to impale competitors on spikes.

The Economist

To make sure that a zombie stays down you need something that can pierce or impale its head.

The Economist

Faced with such facts, any man would be forgiven for wanting to find the invader and impale it by any means necessary.In this section Help or harm In God we trust The boy's own story Hearts of darkness Starry-eyed No boundaries ReprintsThere is a raging debate, however, over whether that is wise.

The Economist

Instead of bombs, says Mr Tobaccowala, advertisers now "make lots of spearheads and then get people to impale themselves".

The Economist

He was also capable of creating the absurd, producing, for example, a dress with conical bosoms more likely to impale than to support.

The Economist

He described features such as steering wheels whose design could easily impale a driver in a crash, poor exhaust systems, and the unnecessary pollution produced by badly engineered cars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stem ends may be crushed with a mallet instead, but clean cuts make it easier to impale branches on a needle holder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As we report, there are even suspicions that Grassroots Out could be used by Leave.EU as a spike upon which to finally impale its loathed rivals at Vote Leave.

Independent

If a 15-year-old was to copy him and impale himself on a pram leaping into a canal... because they were inspired by it, I would think that was his fault".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impale" when you want to convey a sense of violence or permanence in the piercing action. It's more dramatic than simply saying "pierce".

Common error

Avoid using "impale" metaphorically when a less graphic verb would suffice. Using it too casually can dilute its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "impale" is as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on an object. As Ludwig shows, it signifies the act of piercing or transfixing something with a sharp, pointed object, often with the implication of fixation or display.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impale" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb meaning to pierce something with a sharp object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news, historical texts, and occasionally in metaphorical contexts. However, it's best to avoid overuse in metaphorical situations where less graphic verbs can be sufficient. When this word is used, be aware of the violent implication. The use of "impale" can add a dramatic effect and vivid imagery, particularly when it is used in news and encyclopedic context from authoritative sources. Related alternatives include "pierce through", "skewer", and "transfix with", each offering slightly different nuances to the piercing action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Transfix with

Highlights the immobilization aspect of piercing something.

Spear

Refers to piercing with a spear or similar weapon.

Pierce through

Emphasizes the action of creating a hole or penetrating an object.

Fix on a stake

More explicitly describes attaching something to a pointed post.

Skewer

Specifically refers to piercing with a long pin, often for cooking.

Run through

Implies a swift and forceful piercing action.

Spike

Focuses on attaching something to a sharp point.

Penetrate deeply

Emphasizes the depth of the piercing action.

Stick through

A simpler way of expressing the act of piercing.

Stab

A more general term for piercing with a pointed object.

FAQs

How can I use "impale" in a sentence?

The verb "impale" describes piercing something with a sharp object. For example, "The knight "impaled" the dragon with his lance".

What's a less violent synonym for "impale"?

Depending on the context, you can use verbs like "pierce", "skewer", or "transfix" instead of "impale".

Is "impale" appropriate for formal writing?

"Impale" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing historical events or technical processes. However, consider your audience and the overall tone to prevent shocking the reader.

What is the difference between "impale" and "stab"?

While both involve piercing with a sharp object, "impale" implies a more forceful and complete penetration, often resulting in the object being fixed in place. "Stab" is a more general term for piercing.