Definition of rappel
rappelled
alsorappeled
;rappelling
alsorappeling
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
rappel
nounFrom the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of rappel from the Web
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The findings could lead to ropes for rescue helicopter ladders or rappelling climbers that don’t throw us into a spin.
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CANTON, Ohio - Want to rappel down a 13-story historic building in downtown Canton?
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FLYING HIGH Before the race, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin joined three soldiers in rappelling from a Black Hawk helicopter onto the speedway infield.
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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.
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Rangers rappelled down the cliff and confirmed the man had died, the release says.
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Thrill-seekers can rappel down the mountainside with Abseil Africa.
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Meanwhile, Rachel and Bryan were enjoying the thrill of rappelling down Oslo’s historic Olympic ski jump — 187 feet above ground.
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Police and firefighters responded to the scene around 9:15 a.m. and rappelled down the cliff.
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
RAPPEL Defined for English Language Learners
rappel
playDefinition of rappel for English Language Learners
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: 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
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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