Belaying is an essential skill for climbers and mountaineers. It is a technique used to control the rope that the climber uses to ascend and descend a rock face or mountain. The practice of belaying is crucial for the safety of the climber and the belayer. In this article, we will define and explore the meaning of belaying.
Definitions
Belaying is the act of controlling the rope that a climber is using to ascend or descend a rock face or mountain. The person who manages the rope is called the belayer. The belayer uses a device, such as a belay device or a friction hitch, to control the rope’s speed and tension.
Origin
The word belaying comes from the Old English word “bǣlgian,” which means “to surround or encircle.” The term was first used in the context of sailing, where it referred to the act of securing a rope to a cleat or belaying pin on a ship to control the sails’ movement. The practice of belaying in climbing and mountaineering evolved from this nautical usage.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, belaying means “to secure (a rope) by turns around a cleat, pin, or bitt.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines belaying as “to secure a rope by winding it around a cleat or pin, or by passing it through a friction device, in order to control the movement of a climber or load.”
Associations
Belaying is associated with climbing, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities that involve the use of ropes. It is also associated with safety, as belaying is a critical skill for preventing falls and accidents.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of belaying include securing, tying off, anchoring, and fastening.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of belaying include releasing, letting go, and untying.
The same root words
There are no other words in the English language that share the same root as belaying.
Example Sentences
- The climber relied on her belayer to keep her safe during the ascent.
- The belayer used a friction hitch to control the rope’s speed and tension.
- The climber yelled “take” to signal to the belayer to stop the rope’s movement.
- The belayer secured the rope to a bolt in the rock face to prevent the climber from falling.