# impale

> English word · Verb · IPA /ɪmˈpeɪl/ · frequency rank #73,291

## Definitions
1. To pierce (something) with any long, pointed object.
2. To place two coats of arms side by side on the same shield (often those of two spouses upon marriage).
3. To pierce with a pale; to put to death by fixing on a sharp stake.
4. To enclose or fence with stakes.

## Etymology
From Middle French, from Medieval Latin impālāre, from Latin palus, whence also pale.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/impale