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to belay

to belay

4 9.1
To tie a rope to something to hold it for safety, for example when climbing or docking a boat
  • verb
  • /bɪˈleɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : asegurar
  • 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

to tie
vsto belay
923 1.0

To fasten things together by making a knot with string or rope

is used mainly to fasten a rope around objects for climbing safety or mooring
to bind
vsto belay
132 3.2

To tie something tightly with rope or string

secures a rope around an object mainly for climbing safety or mooring
to buckle
vsto belay
88 1.6

To fasten a belt or strap with a clasp

uses a mechanical device rather than wrapping a rope for safety or mooring
to tie up
vsto belay
74 2.2

Fasten something with rope so it cannot move

secures a rope around an object mainly for climbing safety or mooring
to anchor
vsto belay
51 3.4

To hold something in place so it does not move

secures a rope around an object mainly for climbing safety or mooring
to tether
vsto belay
23 4.4

To tie an animal or object so it cannot move away

secures a rope around an object mainly for climbing safety or mooring
to lash
vsto belay
14 4.7

To fasten something securely with rope or cord

secures a rope around an object mainly for climbing safety or mooring
to rope
vsto belay
11 1.0

To tie or secure something with a strong cord

is specifically about fastening cord around an object for safety in climbing or mooring
to tie down
vsto belay
5 4.0

To fasten something with rope or straps to keep it from moving

focuses on fastening a rope around an object for climbing safety or mooring
to truss
vsto belay
4 7.0

To tie the legs and wings of a bird so it cooks evenly

is mainly used to fasten a rope around an object for safety or mooring
to clasp
vsto belay
3 3.0

To fasten something with a small hook or buckle

secures a rope around an object mainly for climbing safety or mooring
to tie in knots
vsto belay
1 3.2

Fasten a rope or string so it does not come loose

focuses on fastening a rope around an object for climbing safety or mooring
to frap
vsto belay
  • Jargon
9.9

To tie something tightly with rope so it does not move

secures a rope around an object mainly for climbing safety or mooring
to cleat
vsto belay
  • Specialized
7.4

To tie a rope to a metal or wooden fitting to hold it in place

secures a rope around an object for climbing safety or general mooring
to trice
vsto belay
  • Archaic
9.9

To pull something up or fasten it with a rope on a ship

secures a rope around an object mainly for climbing safety or mooring

Compounds

9.5

A climbing tool that automatically locks and stops the rope if a climber falls

How Secure

to anchor
51 3.4
to belay
  • Specialized
4 9.1
to secure
347 3.3
to fasten
68 1.6
to tie
923 1.0

Surface Forms

belay infinitive
belayed past
belayed past participle
belaying present participle
belays third person singular

Morphology

belay = lay (semi-transparent) = be + lay

Formed by the productive prefix 'be-' plus 'lay'; the specialized sense related to securing a rope is not fully predictable from 'lay' alone for an average learner.

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.