Impalement
Impalement
Impalement (/ɪmˈpeɪlmənt/), from the Latin impalare, meaning "to pierce with a sharp instrument", is a method of penetration by an object such as a stake, pole, spear, or hook, often by complete or partial perforation of the torso. It was used particularly in response to "crimes against the state" and regarded across a number of cultures as a very harsh form of capital punishment and recorded in myth and art.
Etymology
The word "impalement" comes from the Latin impalare, which means "to pierce with a sharp instrument". This term was first recorded in English during the 15th century.
History
Impalement, as a method of execution and also torture, is the penetration of a human by an object such as a stake, pole, spear, or hook, often by complete or partial perforation of the torso. It was used particularly in response to "crimes against the state" and regarded across a number of cultures as a very harsh form of capital punishment.
Related Terms
- Crucifixion: A method of capital punishment in which the victim is tied or nailed to a large wooden beam and left to hang, possibly for several days.
- Stake: A pointed post that can be driven into the ground.
- Torso: The trunk of the human body.
- Penetration: The action or process of making a way through or into something.
- Capital punishment: The legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Impalement
- Wikipedia's article - Impalement
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