noun / verb
rappel
ra-PEL/ræˈpel/
A controlled descent on a rope using friction.
The climber rappels down the cliff on a securely anchored rope.
Etymology
The pieces mean “call back,” giving the noun sense “recall.” That noun became the mountaineering term for a rope descent, and then the verb for making one.
In context
When you're just learning to rappel, it's worth asking an experienced friend at the base to hold the ropes and give you a fireman's belay.
More examples
- A belay device provides friction during the rappel.
- We rappelled from the ledge to the ground.
- The descent requires three separate rappels.
Forms
rappel · rappels · rappelled · rappelling
Similar words
- descend
- Means move downward, without specifying ropes or controlled friction.