abseil
Americannoun
verb
-
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
-
to descend by rope from a helicopter
noun
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:
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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 ● May 7, 2025
Finley's mum - who completed the same abseil on Finley's behalf a couple of years ago as he was too young - said her son was "remarkable".
From BBC ● May 7, 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
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