rappel

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verb rap·pel \ rə-ˈpel , ra- \

Definition of rappel

rappelled also rappeled; rappelling also rappeling

intransitive verb

:to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope passed under one thigh, across the body, and over the opposite shoulder or through a special friction device

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rappel

noun

See rappel defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of rappel from the Web

That may mean sending workers rappelling down the 70-foot cliff to get closer look, Preston said.

— tony bizjak, sacbee, "Bad news for bikers: Slide danger likely will keep American River trail closed till 2018," 28 Aug. 2017
Activities include negotiating nine ziplines and two sky bridges, rappelling down a tall tree and hiking, the company’s website says.

— mary forgione, latimes.com, "Watch the eclipse from 300 feet up on a zipline tour in the San Gabriel Mountains," 18 Aug. 2017
The findings could lead to ropes for rescue helicopter ladders or rappelling climbers that don’t throw us into a spin.

— lakshmi supriya, Science | AAAS, "Scientists uncover trick to spider’s stealth," 14 July 2017
CANTON, Ohio - Want to rappel down a 13-story historic building in downtown Canton?

— megan becka, cleveland.com, "13-story rappelling event to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina and Stark Counties," 10 July 2017
FLYING HIGH Before the race, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin joined three soldiers in rappelling from a Black Hawk helicopter onto the speedway infield.

— tom groeschen, The Courier-Journal, "Truex Jr. breaks Busch, Keselowski stranglehold at Kentucky Speedway," 9 July 2017
With no trail to walk down, Seneca Rocks climbs end in rappelling on ropes threaded through a device on your harness that creates friction and slows the descent.

— michael virtanen, Detroit Free Press, "West Virginia peaks draw experienced climbers, novices," 8 July 2017
Rangers rappelled down the cliff and confirmed the man had died, the release says.

— allan brettman, OregonLive.com, "Florida man, 20, falls to death at Crater Lake National Park," 5 July 2017
Thrill-seekers can rappel down the mountainside with Abseil Africa.

— jamie moore, USA TODAY, "The world’s 10 best cable cars," 29 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rappel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of rappel

French, literally, recall, from Old French rapel, from rapeler to recall, from re- + apeler to appeal, call — more at appeal

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1944

See Words from the same year

Other General Sports Terms

kegler, mulligan, turkey

RAPPEL Defined for English Language Learners

rappel

play

verb

Definition of rappel for English Language Learners

: to move down a steep cliff, rock, etc., by pushing your feet against its surface and sliding down a rope

RAPPEL Defined for Kids

rappel

verb rap·pel \ rə-ˈpel , ra- \

Definition of rappel for Students

rappelled; rappelling

:to move down a steep slope (as a cliff) by pushing the feet against its surface and sliding down a rope

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rappel

Definition of rappel

rappel

Recent Examples of rappel from the Web

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RAPPEL Defined for English Language Learners

rappel

Definition of rappel for English Language Learners

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rappel

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