belay

[bih-ley] / bɪˈleɪ /

VERB

stop

Synonyms

STRONG

arrest cancel cease check end halt quit stall stay

WEAK

bring to a standstill call a halt to put a stop to

Antonyms

STRONG

advance allow begin commence continue go help permit start

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I went first, with Miller anchoring himself above to belay me with the rope.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2023

Climbers will wear a harness attached to an auto belay cable system, and they can choose between four varying levels of difficulty.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 1, 2023

We know the novel’s prettiness will always be there to belay this heroine to a gentle landing.

From Washington Post • Jan. 3, 2023

I cried at the belay - it could happen this time....The final 5 pitches felt scary in my current state but I pulled over the final lip at 10:30pm in disbelief.

From BBC • Nov. 9, 2020

Borrowing Jamie’s gloves, I hold the belay line—letting out slack as Jay rises, ready to snap it back if his legs slip or his grip fails.

From "Paradise on Fire" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Vocabulary lists containing belay

"Is Survival Selfish?" Vocabulary from the argument

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!