rappel
ruh-PEL
/ræˈpɛl/
To descend a rock face or other near-vertical surface by using a doubled rope coiled around the body or passed through a friction device.
Specifically refers to the controlled descent using ropes, not just any downward movement.
The story behind the word. From the French 'rappeler,' which means 'to recall' or 'to pull back.' In climbing, it refers to the way the rope is pulled back after the descent.
Word relationships
- abseil: Abseil is the British English equivalent; rappel is the standard term in American English.
- climb: Climbing usually refers to upward movement, though it can be general.
Commonly confused with
- repel: Repel means to drive away; rappel is the climbing technique.
Word family
- rappelling (noun): The activity of descending using ropes.
Collocations
- rappel down
- rappel device
- controlled rappel
- rappel station
Example sentences
- "The instructor showed us how to rappel safely down the limestone cliff." Rock climbing instruction.
- "The special forces team had to rappel from the helicopter onto the roof of the building." Military operations.
Memory hook
Rappel sounds like 'rope-el'—using a rope to go down. Rappel = Rope + Fall (controlled).
When not to use
Do not use for walking down a hill or taking an elevator.
Fun facts
- In many parts of the world, this is called 'abseiling,' from the German 'abseilen' (to rope down).
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