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Impalement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impalement

[ษชmหˆpeษชlmษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

physical injury

Impalement is the act of piercing or sticking something, typically a living being, through with a sharp object. This term can also refer to the state of being impaled, often associated with extreme injury or a specific method of execution in historical contexts.

Synonyms

piercing, skewering, stab.

Examples of usage

  • The victim suffered from severe impalement after the accident.
  • Historically, impalement was used as a method of torture.
  • The exhibit featured a sculpture representing historical impalement.
  • The phrase 'impalement of the enemy' was used in ancient warfare.

Translations

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Origin of 'impalement'

The word 'impalement' originates from the Middle English 'impalemen', which is derived from the Latin 'palฤre', meaning 'to stake'. The term reflects the historical context in which impaling was used for both torture and as a method of execution. In medieval times, impalement was famously employed in various cultures, creating a lasting association with punishment and pain. The practice involved a sharp stake that would be driven through the body, often resulting in death. As the word evolved, it maintained its gruesome connotation and is often referenced in discussions of historical tactics of warfare and torture.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,404, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.