to belay
8
9.1
- verb
- /bɪˈleɪ/
- Specialized
- Before climbing, it is important to belay the rope securely to prevent any accidents.
- belay the careful climber
- rope to belay
- belayed when climbing
Examples
-
Yeah, I'll get a rope, I'll belay you.
-
When I was belaying, it seemed so obvious to me what route the climbers should take, where they should put their hands and feet.
Blog text (4) -
The rest of us realised what we were doing and circled round behind and, instead of pulling, started belaying.
-
We were still roped together, belayed only by the other climber.
Fiction book (1996) -
I prayed that the single piton I had hammered into the rock would belay his fall.
Fiction book (1996) -
The instructor taught us how to belay properly to keep our partners safe during the climb.
-
When he reached the top, he carefully belayed his friend to ensure a safe ascent.
Synonyms
702
1.0
To fasten things together by making a knot with string or rope
102
1.6
To fasten a belt or strap with a clasp
82
3.4
To hold something in place so it does not move
64
3.2
To tie something tightly with rope or string
57
2.2
Fasten something with rope so it cannot move
41
4.0
To fasten something with rope or straps to keep it from moving
13
1.0
To tie or secure something with a strong cord
11
3.2
Fasten a rope or string so it does not come loose
11
4.7
To fasten something securely with rope or cord
10
4.4
To tie an animal or object so it cannot move away
3
7.0
To tie the legs and wings of a bird so it cooks evenly
2
3.0
To fasten something with a small hook or buckle
1
9.9
To tie something tightly with rope so it does not move
1
7.4
To tie a rope to a metal or wooden fitting to hold it in place
1
9.9
To pull something up or fasten it with a rope on a ship
Compounds
- Specialized
A climbing tool that automatically locks and stops the rope if a climber falls
How Secure
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The verb belay comes from the parts be- and lay ('to put down'), so it originally meant to make a rope lie fast. Sailors used this word for tying ropes on a ship, and that is why to belay today means to tie or secure a rope for safety.