Definition

To pierce or stab something with a sharp object, often used in a violent context.

Example

The knight was able to empale the enemy with his sword during the battle.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see that movie where the villain tries to empale the hero?

Yeah, it was so intense! I didn't expect that scene at all.

Right? It was shocking how they portrayed that moment.

Absolutely! It really added to the excitement of the film.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Empale is derived from the Old French word 'empaler', which means to pierce or stake. The word itself combines 'em-' (meaning to put into) and 'pale' (from Latin 'pala', meaning stake or spade). Thus, 'empale' refers to the act of putting something onto a stake or piercing it.

Memory Tip

Think of putting something 'into' ('em-') a 'stake' ('pale') — that's why empale means to pierce or stake something.

Visually Confused Words