The phrase "burn stake" typically refers to the practice of burning someone at the stake as a punishment or execution method. There are various synonyms that can be used to refer to this barbaric practice, including "burning alive," "burning to death," "immolation," "conflagration," and "pyre." Each of these words carries a different connotation and degree of severity, but they all describe the act of setting someone on fire as a form of punishment or sacrifice. In modern times, burning people alive is generally considered to be a cruel and inhumane practice, and is illegal in most parts of the world.