Advertisement

Advertisement

rappel

[ ra-pel, ruh- ]

noun

  1. (in mountaineering) the act or method of moving down a steep incline or past an overhang by means of a double rope secured above and placed around the body, usually under the left thigh and over the right shoulder, and paid out gradually in the descent.


verb (used without object)

, rap·pelled, rap·pel·ling.
  1. to descend by means of a rappel.

rappel

/ ræˈpɛl /

verb

  1. another word (esp US) for abseil
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


noun

  1. another word (esp US) for abseil
  2. (formerly) a drumbeat to call soldiers to arms
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of rappel1

1930–35; < French: mountaineering term, literally, a recall. See repeal
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of rappel1

C19: from French, from rappeler to call back, from Latin appellāre to summon
Discover More

Compare Meanings

How does rappel compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Discover More

Example Sentences

They encountered problems near the canyon’s exit when Arvig overshot a small rock ledge, where he needed to re-anchor his rope for the final rappel to the ground.

I thought they’d get to the edge of the cliff, harness and helmet on, take a peek over the edge of a 1,000-foot-deep gorge, and back out of their first rappel.

Then we were taught how to both rappel and fast-rope from a helicopter.

A beener or D ring was attached to each trainee via a rappel seat that went around his waist and upper thighs.

In time the X Troop was trained to rappel and parachute; to use guns, bayonets and knives; and even to kill with bare hands.

He paraglided, scuba dived, and even tried to rappel down Mt. Rushmore before he was rebuffed by park officials.

Unfortunately Fox and Rappel were beginning to tire; they sank deeper in the snow and no longer neighed joyfully.

The darkness was now such that I thought it prudent to drop my bridle on Rappel's neck.

Ten times a day, or in the dead of night, the drum would beat le rappel or la générale.

Since six o'clock in the morning D'Aurelles had had the rappel beaten in the central quarters, but in vain.

The rappel had been beaten all night in the Batignolles, and had called out the sedentary guards and the youths.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


rappeerappen