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

Explanation

To abseil is to lower yourself down a wall, mountain, or cliff using special ropes and anchors. When you abseil down a steep rock face, make sure you have a climbing partner there to help you! Another word for abseil is rappel, which is more commonly used by U.S. climbers. Abseil is from the German abseilen, "to rope down," and that's exactly what a climber does during a descent. An abseiler controls their own movements down a securely anchored rope, using special equipment and making slow, controlled movements to descend safely.

Example Sentences

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

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2025

On that second morning they began to cautiously abseil down the rock spur, aware their weak condition could lead to mistakes.

From BBC • Oct. 6, 2024

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 • Oct. 6, 2024

Ms Woodhouse said she was "so pleased" to have completed the abseil.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2024

The only option for rescuers was to go above her and abseil down.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2024