ˈbeɪleɪ

Definitions

1. verb

to stop or suspend an activity, especially climbing, because of bad weather or lack of daylight

“We had to belay the ascent due to the sudden storm.”

2. noun

a rope or anchor used to support a climber’s weight

“He attached the belay to the rock face to secure himself.”

3. verb

to take in a rope or cable, as in order to secure a ship or a climber

“The sailors belayed the anchor rope to the cleat.”

4. verb

to take control of something, such as a rope or a situation

“The crew belayed the chaos and restored order.”