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

noun

1. another word (esp US) for abseil
2. (formerly) a drumbeat to call soldiers to arms

Word History and Origins

Origin of rappel¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rappel¹

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

Example Sentences

“I rappelled down to him and stayed with him for four hours until his light faded,” Mr Holecek said.

From BBC

The man, quite literally, was at the end of his rope after rappelling 100 feet below his partner and finding himself unable to climb back up.

From Los Angeles Times

With offerings like bouldering competitions. rappelling classes and phone app-activated routes, these gyms around Los Angeles and Orange County, well, rock.

From Los Angeles Times

David Bell’s sister, Cyndi Bell Miller, wrote on Facebook that Skinner was rappelling into a pool when she got caught in a whirlpool.

From Los Angeles Times

Like something out of “Mission: Impossible,” Tom Cruise rappelled from the rim of the stadium to the field below, then roared off on a motorcycle.

From Los Angeles Times