Definition of "impale" [im•pale]

• To pierce with a sharp stake or point. (verb-transitive)
• To torture or kill by impaling. (verb-transitive)
• To render helpless as if by impaling. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Fleming, a three-time Grammy Award winner who specializes in opera and lieder, provided constructive criticism to the singers after each of their individual performances in the master class, which was organized by the Office for the Arts. The American artist challenged the four student performers-Bridget Haile '11, M.chael D. Cherella' 11, Francesca R.L. Reindel '11, and Sofia M. Selowsky' 12-to "get out of the comfort zone" and to "impale" audience members with their singing."
• "Inspired by the classic magic trick of sticking knives (and not killing anyone), it features wooden “swords” that “impale” the unit as supports or racks for your clothes."
• "Love that she was powerful enough to send Damon flying and impale him on a tree."