rappel

[ ra-pel, ruh- ]

/ ræˈpɛl, rə- /

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noun

(in mountaineering) the act or method of moving down a steep incline or past an overhang by means of a double rope secured above and placed around the body, usually under the left thigh and over the right shoulder, and paid out gradually in the descent.

verb (used without object), rap·pelled, rap·pel·ling.

to descend by means of a rappel.

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Origin of rappel

1930–35; <French: mountaineering term, literally, a recall. See repeal

Words nearby rappel

rap music, Rapp, Rappahannock, rapparee, rappee, rappel, rappen, rappé pie, rapper, rapping, Rappist

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use rappel in a sentence

They encountered problems near the canyon’s exit when Arvig overshot a small rock ledge, where he needed to re-anchor his rope for the final rappel to the ground.
What You Missed: Piolet d’Or Story Sparks Mountaineering Debate|Fred Dreier|November 30, 2021|Outside Online
I thought they’d get to the edge of the cliff, harness and helmet on, take a peek over the edge of a 1,000-foot-deep gorge, and back out of their first rappel.
The Ultimate New River Gorge National Park Travel Guide|awise|July 19, 2021|Outside Online
Then we were taught how to both rappel and fast-rope from a helicopter.
Inside Seal Team Six by Don Mann Excerpt|Don Mann|December 4, 2011|DAILY BEAST
A beener or D ring was attached to each trainee via a rappel seat that went around his waist and upper thighs.
Inside Seal Team Six by Don Mann Excerpt|Don Mann|December 4, 2011|DAILY BEAST

In time the X Troop was trained to rappel and parachute; to use guns, bayonets and knives; and even to kill with bare hands.
My Father, The Inglourious Basterd|Kim Masters|August 9, 2009|DAILY BEAST
He paraglided, scuba dived, and even tried to rappel down Mt. Rushmore before he was rebuffed by park officials.
Remembering JFK, Jr.|The Daily Beast|July 15, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Unfortunately Fox and Rappel were beginning to tire; they sank deeper in the snow and no longer neighed joyfully.
The Man-Wolf and Other Tales|Emile Erckmann and Alexandre Chatrian
The darkness was now such that I thought it prudent to drop my bridle on Rappel's neck.
The Man-Wolf and Other Tales|Emile Erckmann and Alexandre Chatrian
Ten times a day, or in the dead of night, the drum would beat le rappel or la générale.
The Martian|George Du Maurier
Since six o'clock in the morning D'Aurelles had had the rappel beaten in the central quarters, but in vain.
History of the Commune of 1871|P. Lissagary
The rappel had been beaten all night in the Batignolles, and had called out the sedentary guards and the youths.
History of the Commune of 1871|P. Lissagary

British Dictionary definitions for rappel

rappel

/ (ræˈpɛl) /

verb -pels, -pelling or -pelled

another word (esp US) for abseil

noun

another word (esp US) for abseil

(formerly) a drumbeat to call soldiers to arms

Word Origin for rappel

C19: from French, from rappeler to call back, from Latin appellāre to summon

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012