Belay meaning. Climbers spend half of their time belaying—make sure you know all of the nuanced tips on how to belay in every situation. Learn the etymology, pronunciation, and translations of belay and related terms. Learn more! Belay definition: To secure or make fast (a rope, for example) by winding on a cleat or pin. belay /bɪˈleɪ/ vb ( -lays, -laying, -layed) to make fast (a line) by securing to a pin, cleat, or bitt (usually imperative) to stop; cease /ˈbiːˌleɪ/ to secure (a climber) to a mountain by tying the rope off round a rock spike, piton, nut, etc n /ˈbiːˌleɪ/ the attachment (of a climber) to a mountain by tying the rope off round a rock spike, piton, nut, etc, to safeguard the party in The meaning of BELAY is to secure (a rope or cable) by turns around a cleat, pin, or bitt. 2. In its simplest form, a belay consists of a rope that runs from a climber to another person (the belayer) who can stop the climber's fall. Learn more about the word Belay with detailed insights and useful information. The term "belay" originated in the context of sailing, where it was used to refer to the process of securing a line by winding it around a cleat or other object. 1. See 4 authoritative translations of Belay in Spanish with example sentences, conjugations and audio pronunciations. What does belay mean? Meaning of belay. Your friend might climb a rock wall first, while you belay for her. to secure (a rope) by attaching to a person or to an object offering stable support. WordSense Dictionary: belay - spelling, hyphenation, synonyms, translations, meanings & definitions. ” This became a common term among sea-folk around the late 17th century. Aug 7, 2025 · In order to belay safely, learn how to setup your belay device and practice the PBUS (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) system. Aug 27, 2025 · What does belay mean? Confused on the endless amount of climbing jargon? Find out the origins of climbings most famous term. It was later adopted in other contexts, such as climbing, where it has the same basic meaning of fastening or securing. Belay is a verb that means to secure or stop something, especially in nautical or mountaineering contexts. Definition of belay in the AudioEnglish. It evolved into a term meaning 'disregard' or 'ignore' a previous order. Apr 28, 2025 · Learn the safest methods for toprope belaying. This way, climbers don’t fall very far when they fall. Aug 23, 2025 · Belay has multiple meanings and uses in English, such as to make a rope fast, to handle a climbing rope, or to stop. belay To surround; environ; inclose. Definition of Belay in the Definitions. SailorSpeak is a glossary of Military Terminology, Jargon, and Slang that has been compiled and edited by Jeff Crowell Jan 9, 2024 · We'll explore "How to Belay: The Ultimate Guide to Belaying" in this extensive guide, with a particular emphasis on the tube-style device. BELAY translate: asegurar la cuerda, amarre de seguridad, amarre de seguridad. When belaying for top rope or lead climbing, a small belay device is clipped onto the belayer's harness which allows them to control the rope. Have a blast perfecting your pirate parlance here! Learn how to choose a belay device for rock climbing. Definition of belay verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Learn more in the Cambridge English-Spanish Dictionary. The two main belay device types include automatic belay devices and manually operated belay devices. Translate Belay. Learn how to use belay in sentences and how to say it. Jun 19, 2023 · Discover the basic principles of belaying, and how they can be applied to top-rope belaying and to skilled lead belaying—including catching lead falls. The person holding the belay rope, or the belayer, pulls the rope through a belay device as the climber goes up. to fasten (a rope) by winding around a pin or short rod inserted in a holder so that both ends of the rod are clear. What does Belay mean? Information and translations of Belay in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. **In climbing**: To belay means to secure a climber by holding the rope to prevent a fall. Other definition of belay is to stop; cease. Find out all about Belay 📙: meaning, pronunciation, synonyms, antonyms, origin, difficulty, usage index and more. Jul 12, 2023 · For example, "Belay my last order; we have a new plan. Information about belay in the AudioEnglish. ” The word was originally derived from the Dutch phrase “houd vast,” which literally means “hold fast. Only at Word Panda dictionary Jun 28, 2018 · While there are several techniques that “belaying” refers to, in general, belaying is the act of exerting tension on a climbing rope to counterbalance the climber when they fall. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Belay is a verb and a noun related to rock climbing. Belay is a verb that means to secure a rope or a person by turns around a cleat, pin, or bitt. Feb 6, 2025 · Belay That (or Belay That Order) The phrase “belay that” may evoke images of commanding starship captains, but its origins lie firmly on Earth, aboard ships navigating turbulent seas. Jun 26, 2019 · Belay The nautical terms we use today are composed of elements from many different languages: Greek, Latin, Norse, Spanish, French, and Dutch, for example. 48 examples: With the right belay device, a small, weak climber can easily arrest the fall… Struggling with the spelling of 'belay'? Find the correct spelling, pronunciation, meaning, and related words here! What is belay in French? Jun 14, 2025 · Explore the meaning of belay in climbing and essential techniques for safe ascents. belay Nautical, to fasten, or make fast, by winding round a belaying-pin, cleat, or cavel: applied chiefly to running rigging. Jul 18, 2020 · To ‘belay’ means to STOP, and comes from wrapping a running line around a cleat. to secure (a person) by attaching to one end of a rope. In climbing, belaying is a safety technique where one climber holds the rope for another to protect them in case of a fall. Definition of belay noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. See examples of BELAY used in a sentence. In the event of a fall, expected or unexpected What does Belay vs belie mean? Learn the definition of Belay vs belie & other commonly used words, phrases, & idioms in the English language. Best online English dictionaries for children, with kid-friendly definitions, integrated thesaurus for kids, images, and animations. BELAY meaning: 1. Discover everything about the word "BELAY" in English: meanings, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one comprehensive guide. This involves managing the tension in the climbing rope and taking care of the safety of the climber. belay: To secure or make fast (a rope, for example) by winding on a cleat or pin. belay To lie in wait for in order to attack; hence, to block up or obstruct. Auto belay "TruBlue Speed" auto-belay fixed at the top of an indoor climbing route An auto belay (or autobelay) is a mechanical device for belaying in indoor climbing walls, in both training and competition climbing formats. Coxswain: a boy servant (swain) in charge of a small cock Jun 26, 2019 · Belay The nautical terms we use today are composed of elements from many different languages: Greek, Latin, Norse, Spanish, French, and Dutch, for example. Belay The Meaning & Origin of the Name Belay Belay is an African boy name, which has 5 letters. There is often a lot of debate on exactly how to belay—with this article, the debate will be answered once and for all. Synonyms for BELAY: fasten, tie, clip, clinch, pin, clench, strap, clamp; Antonyms of BELAY: split, disconnect, sever, divide, separate, dissociate, break up, part belay Definition, Meaning & SynonymsDefinition To secure a rope by tying it off to prevent slipping or to support someone during climbing. belay synonyms, belay pronunciation, belay translation, English dictionary definition of belay. Jun 26, 2023 · The basic equipment needed for belaying includes a climbing harness, a belay device, a locking carabiner, and a climbing rope. to control a rope that a climber is attached to and keep it tight, so that if the climber falls…. Belay Loop: A loop on the front of your harness that a belay device is clipped to for belaying or rappelling (come down as opposed to going up the wall). Perfect for learners aiming to improve their English language skills with engaging and interactive content. Learn about equipment and methods today! Discover the world of pirate speak and unearth the origins of nautical terms. “Belay” the order? What the hell does belay mean? Don’t you mean delay the order? Can I get a ruling on that? … fuck it I’m firing torpedoes Discover everything about the word "BELAY" in English: meanings, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one comprehensive guide. . " Where does the idiom "belay my last" come from? The phrase "belay my last" comes from naval language, where 'belay' was a term for securing or fastening a rope. Enhance your vocabulary by understanding how to use Belay in sentences and everyday communication. ” The frequent usage of this phrase eventually got it slurred down to “hou’ vast” and later “avast. Discover expressions like "self-belay", "belay there", "running belay". The belayer wears the harness and attaches the belay device to it using the carabiner. org Dictionary. See examples, synonyms, and word history of belay. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Belay definition: to fasten (a rope) by winding around a pin or short rod inserted in a holder so that both ends of the rod are clear. belay meaning, definition, what is belay: to make someone who is climbing a mounta: Learn more. Origin of 'belayed' The word 'belay' comes from the Middle English term 'beleien,' which means to make fast or secure. Examples of BELAY in a sentence, how to use it. How to use belay in a sentence. The meaning of belay. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, including gear, setup, safety checks and procedures, plus the PBUS method and how to lower a climber. It means to control or fix a rope that a climber is attached to, or the place or act of doing so. The term belay is of Dutch origin, whose naval history dates back to the 15 th century. **In climbing and sailing**: To secure a rope or line to a fixed point or to another person to prevent it from slipping or to manage its tension. If you're new to rock climbing, this will lay the foundation for future belaying skills. Learn the English definition and meaning of Belay with examples, pronunciation, and translations to enhance your vocabulary. “To belay” is a term with nautical origins that involves securing a rope around another object, for example, a cleat, to stop it from moving. (used chiefly in the imperative) Belay that, the meeting will be at 0900 instead of 0800. to cease (an action); stop. Belay is a verb and a noun that means to make fast or secure something, especially a rope or a climber. Sep 19, 2024 · Learn the definition of "on belay" and its importance in rock climbing, including common mistakes to avoid and benefits of proper belaying. be·layed , be·lay·ing , be·lays v. belay To overlay; adorn. Define belay. Oct 16, 2023 · Why use belay commands? As soon as the belayer receives a command like “take”, “slack” or “clipping” he will know what to do, whether to create tension in the rope, give some more slack, keep a sharp eye on the climber or expect a fall. Is "belay my last" a formal or informal phrase? What does the verb belay mean? There are 16 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb belay, 13 of which are labelled obsolete. To “belay” meant to secure a line using a belaying pin, a practice essential for stabilizing sails. This word is derived from the Old Norse 'bela,' meaning to secure or hold. belay synonyms, pronunciation, spelling and more from Free Dictionary. It can also mean to stop, cancel, or quit something. Such a line is called ‘belayed’ once it has been so secured. Dec 15, 2020 · Regardless of your belay device, these rules are always true: First of all, make sure your device is compatible with the diameter of your climbing rope: not all belay devices work on every rope. BELAY meaning: to attach (a rope) to something so that it is secure to attach a secure rope to (a person) for safety There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun belay. The device enables a climber to ascend indoor routes on a top rope but without the need for a human belaying partner. May 18, 2021 · Belay that (or belay that order) Sci-fi fans may recall Star Trek 's Captain Jean-Luc Picard commanding his fellow crewmember to "belay that order" on board the Starship Enterprise, but its genesis can be traced back to earth, or, more specifically, the sea. In climbing, a belayer holds a lead climber’s rope and feeds it out as the leader advances upward. v. Oct 15, 2021 · A rock climber relies on a reliable belayer to keep them safe on a crag. Master the word "BELAY" in English: definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource. Includes the pros and cons of tubular, assisted braking and Figure 8 devices. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Belay, Belaying Pin, Bend and more. So learn the PLUS technique to make sure you can belay safley and efficiently. Many devices have drawings to indicate how to place the rope. It can also mean “to hold fast” or “to secure”. Mar 16, 2022 · Belaying may be the most critical skill you need to participate in the sport of rock climbing safely. BELAY definition: to make fast (a line ) by securing to a pin , cleat , or bitt | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples in American English Definition of belay verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. belay Definition, Meaning & SynonymsDefinition To secure a rope by tying it off to prevent slipping or to support someone during climbing. to ignore May 19, 2010 · Avast: meaning “stop” or “hold still. net dictionary. To provide security to by paying out or Belay definition: handle a climbing rope to prevent falls. Learn more. t. Definition of belay in the English dictionary The first definition of belay in the dictionary is to make fast by securing to a pin, cleat, or bitt. The use of 'belay' in climbing context dates back to the late 19th century, as climbing became more popular and formalized as a sport. Correct belaying methods allow a belayer to hold the entire weight of the climber with relatively little force and easily arrest falls. This term has been tranferred over to other purposes, such as to stop an action, or impending action (just like stopping a line from running). Spanish and Chinese language support available. belay To besiege; invest; surround. org dictionary, synonyms and antonyms. Learn the meaning, usage, and pronunciation of the word Belay with Word Coach. Dec 8, 2024 · The word “belay” has a couple of meanings, primarily in the context of climbing and sailing: 1. Dec 8, 2024 · The word “belay” primarily has two meanings: 1. Belay is a French name derived from the Latin 'bellicatus', meaning “warlike”. —v. This article covers everything from setup to lowering the climber, so it's perfect for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Feb 22, 2020 · A climber who can't belay brings little to a climbing partnership, so, especially for a newer climber, being able to belay might mean that others will be more keen to take you out for a day on the rock or in the gym. Set up your belay device by putting the rope in it following the instructions. Belay is also to secure to a mountain by tying the rope off round a rock spike, piton, nut, etc. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Learn the origin, pronunciation, synonyms and sentences of belay in British and American English. Communicating clearly when climbing is important for safety: Learn the usage of climbing commands such as belay on, up rope and others. Get a comprehensive overview including dictionary and thesaurus entries. Belaying is a critical part of climbing safety. tr. The rope, which is connected to the climber, is threaded through the belay device. Definition of belay. To belay means to fasten, and in handling lines on a ship, a Sailor belays a line to a cleat, bitt, or any other fixed point, to keep the ship from belay definition: Noun an action of fixing a rope firmly to an immovable object. Nautical To secure or make fast by winding on a cleat or pin. We'll cover how to set up your belay device and perform a standard top rope belay. Learn the origin, synonyms, translations and examples of belay from various sources. Meaning of Belay. Jan 12, 2017 · The automatic belay doesn't require a human partner and is completely controlled by the auto belay device. In the modern day, most climbers use a variety of gear to belay, notably To belay is to secure or hold the end of a climbing rope so that the climber won't fall far if she slips. To belay means to fasten, and in handling lines on a ship, a Sailor belays a line to a cleat, bitt, or any other fixed point, to keep the ship from Feb 6, 2019 · "On belay" is a climbing voice command used by climbers at the base of a route as well as at the beginning and end of a pitch higher up the cliff. belay has developed meanings and uses in subjects including military (Middle English) climbing (mid 1500s) nautical (mid 1500s) wine (mid 1500s) Nov 2, 2021 · What is belaying? A belay device is like a little pulley made of aluminium or alloy that allows your partner to add quick, sudden tension to the rope by locking off the rope so that if you fall, you won’t go far (Image credit: Cavan Images) The word belaying originates from an old nautical term meaning to stop or desist from. Definition of belay verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning of belay. Learning proper belaying techniques will make you a trustworthy rock climbing partner. What does belay mean? Proper usage and audio pronunciation of the word belay. Oct 10, 2020 · Belay: To hold or stop a fall using a belay device or rope technique. gkdm xqfqq ldtwq grmbsnfb lflq mhyws dxrv htreb plw eewij