Impaled

To pierce or stab someone or something with a sharp, pointed object, typically a stake, spear, or blade. The act of impaling results in the object entering and becoming lodged in the flesh or body. Historically, impalement has been a brutal form of execution, but the word can also describe situations where something is stuck or firmly embedded. The severity of the word often connotes a violent or forceful action, potentially causing severe pain or harm. Metaphorically, it can represent being trapped, overwhelmed, or caught in a precarious position. The object of the impalement often serves as a pivotal point of reference.

Impaled meaning with examples

• The Roman soldiers, during their campaign of terror, impaled the captured rebels as a warning to others. The stakes, sharpened and driven into the ground, served as a gruesome display of their power. Their screams echoed through the valleys, instilling fear in anyone that witnessed. It was a brutal display designed to assert dominance and quash resistance, showcasing the merciless nature of their conquest.
• He stumbled forward during his fall, impaled his leg upon the jagged edge of the broken metal. The pain was excruciating, the shard lodged deep within his flesh. Unable to remove it himself, he knew he needed urgent medical attention to avoid any serious consequences of this unfortunate accident. He looked down, frozen in terror at what had happened.
• The fisherman accidentally impaled the fish on the hook as he cast his line. Though unintentional, the sharp point of the hook inflicted immediate pain. He then struggled, battling the resistance of the injured creature to bring his catch aboard. Feeling a little bit bad, but the goal was to get food. The fish, struggling for survival, thrashed against the line, a visceral display of life and death.
• The artist's sculpture, a surreal representation of societal constraints, seemed to impale the viewer with a powerful emotional impact. The sharp lines and pointed forms symbolized entrapment. Through its evocative imagery, the artwork aimed to confront the audience, forcing them to confront their own limitations. It was a jarring, but nonetheless though-provoking experience.