abseil
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈæbseɪl/
KK: /ˈæbseɪl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To descend a steep surface, such as a rock face or wall, using a rope that is secured above.
Example
The climbers decided to abseil down the cliff after reaching the summit.
Tense Forms
Past: abseiled
Past Participle: abseiled
Conversation
Have you ever tried to abseil down a cliff?
No, but it sounds exciting!
It really is! You should definitely give abseiling a shot sometime.
I would love to try it on our next adventure.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rappel
Antonyms
noun
Definition
A way of going down a steep surface, like a rock face or a building, by using a rope. It involves lowering oneself down while being secured by the rope.
Example
The climber made a safe abseil down the cliff after reaching the summit.
Conversation
Did you hear about the abseil event happening this weekend?
Yeah, it sounds thrilling! I’ve never tried it before.
You should definitely join me; it’s such a fun abseil experience!
Root Explanation
Abseil comes from the German word 'abseilen', which is formed from 'ab-' (meaning down) and 'seilen' (meaning to rope or to use a rope). The word describes the action of descending by means of a rope.
Memory Tip
Picture yourself going 'down' ('ab-') using a 'rope' ('seilen') — that's how you remember that abseil means to descend using a rope.
Visually Confused Words
absi
abel