empale vs transfix

empale and transfix both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
empale	No	No	Yes	No
transfix	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, empale and transfix are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of empale include impale, spike.

empale (verb)	transfix (verb)
pierce with a sharp stake or point	pierce with a sharp stake or point
	to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe