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

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

Finley has plans to abseil down a tower block at Southend Hospital on 16 May to raise money for the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity.

From BBC

In 2021 it was announced that the technicians would abseil down the bridge and use soap and water to clean the cables in an attempt to address the icing issue.

From BBC

Rui and Michael are being roped up as they encourage each other to abseil further into the cave.

From BBC

After managing to abseil down the mountain face to some melting ice, the two women managed to catch some water in their bottles.

From BBC