belay

Plural: belays

Noun

• something to which a mountain climber's rope can be secured
• The securing of a rope to a rock or other sturdy object.
• The object to which a rope is secured.
• A location at which a climber stops and builds an anchor with which to secure their partner.

Verb

Verb Forms: belayed, belaying, belays

• To fix a rope around a cleat or spike to secure it.
• turn a rope round an object or person in order to secure it or him
• fasten a boat to a bitt, pin, or cleat
• To make (a rope) fast by turning it around a fastening point such as a cleat.
• To handle a climbing rope to prevent (a climber) from falling to the ground.
• To lay aside; to stop; to cancel.
• The general command to stop or cease.
• To surround; to environ; to enclose.
• To overlay; to adorn.
• To besiege; invest; surround.
• To lie in wait for in order to attack; block up or obstruct.
• simple past of belie (“encompass”)

Examples

• Belay that order!
• Belay your move for a moment and check that spelling.
• He would need an experienced partner to belay him on the difficult climbs.
• I could only hope the remaining piton would belay his fall.

Anagrams of belay