belay
/bɪˈleɪ/
verb
- To secure a rope by winding it around a cleat, pin, or other object, especially on a ship or in climbing.
- He quickly belayed the rope to the cleat as the wind picked up.
- The sailor belayed the line to keep the boat from drifting.
- Before starting the climb, she belayed the rope around the anchor.
- In climbing, to control the rope for a climber, usually by using a belay device, to catch them if they fall.
- She asked her partner to belay her while she attempted the difficult route.
- He belayed his friend from the top of the cliff.
- The instructor taught the students how to belay safely.
noun
- The act or technique of controlling a rope to protect a climber; also, the anchor point or system used for this.
- He set up a solid belay before starting the climb.
- Always check your belay before trusting your weight to the rope.
- The climber called for a belay as she reached the overhang.