abseil

American  

[ahp-zahyl, ab-seyl] / ˈɑp zaɪl, ˈæb seɪl /

noun

1. rappel.

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abseil British  

/ ˈæbsaɪl /

verb

1. mountaineering to descend a steep slope or vertical drop by a rope secured from above and coiled around one's body or through karabiners attached to one's body in order to control the speed of descent

2. to descend by rope from a helicopter

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noun

1. an instance or the technique of abseiling

Etymology

Origin of abseil

1930–35; < German abseilen ( ab- down + seilen to rope)

Compare meaning

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

• abseil vs. rappel

Explanation

To abseil is to lower yourself down a wall, mountain, or cliff using special ropes and anchors. When you abseil down a steep rock face, make sure you have a climbing partner there to help you! Another word for abseil is rappel, which is more commonly used by U.S. climbers. Abseil is from the German abseilen, "to rope down," and that's exactly what a climber does during a descent. An abseiler controls their own movements down a securely anchored rope, using special equipment and making slow, controlled movements to descend safely.

Example Sentences

Kate was the first to abseil down to the canoe to cross the lake.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2025

Finley's mum - who completed the same abseil on Finley's behalf a couple of years ago as he was too young - said her son was "remarkable".

From BBC • May 7, 2025

Speaking to BBC Radio Shropshire before this year's operation, which took place on Tuesday, director of Totally Wild Access Alex Picken said workers "basically abseil down and give the planes a dusting".

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2025

After completing the abseil, Ms Woodhouse said she had found it "quite easy".

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2024

The problem was the only way to excavate it was to abseil down from the top.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2023