Burning stake is a phrase that invokes a gruesome image of a person being burnt alive as a form of punishment. In modern times, this phrase is associated with witch hunts and medieval justice. However, there are other variations of this phrase that can be used to describe the same concept. 'Burning at the stake' is a similar phrase used interchangeably with 'burning stake'. 'Pyre' is another term that can be used, which refers to a large pile of wood used for burning people. Lastly, 'immolation' is a synonym for burning alive as a sacrifice or punishment. All these phrases refer to the horrifying act of burning someone as a form of punishment, and are used to describe similar concepts.