rappel

American  

[ra-pel, ruh-] / ræˈpɛl, rə- /

noun

1. (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.

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verb (used without object)

rappelled, rappelling

1. to descend by means of a rappel.

rappel British  

/ ræˈpɛl /

verb

1. another word (esp US) for abseil

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noun

1. another word (esp US) for abseil

2. (formerly) a drumbeat to call soldiers to arms

Etymology

Origin of rappel

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

Compare meaning

How does rappel compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• abseil vs. rappel

Example Sentences

She was speaking on board a patrol ship in Helsinki harbour where she watched armed border agents rappel from a helicopter to show how they seize Russian vessels.

From BBC

But U.S. special operations forces rappelling onto the deck External link of a fleeing oil tanker protected by a Russian sub like they did Wednesday?

From Barron's

But U.S. special operations forces rappelling onto the deck External link of a fleeing oil tanker protected by a Russian sub like they did Wednesday?

From Barron's

You can watch our soldiers rappel out of one of the Seahawks just like Santa’s elves.

From Salon

“I often get to climb, rappel, hike, bike or paddle some sections of the race—usually the most fun parts!”

From The Wall Street Journal