rope

freedom

noun. independence, license to do as one wants

freedoms

noun. independence, license to do as one wants

Word Origin & History

Old English rap "rope, cord, cable," from Proto-Germanic *raipaz (cf. Old Norse reip, West Frisian reap, Middle Dutch, Dutch reep "rope," Old Frisian silrap "shoe-thong," Gothic skauda-raip "shoe-lace," Old High German, German reif "ring, hoop"). Technically, only cordage above one inch in circumference and below 10 (bigger-around than that is a cable). Nautical use varies. Finnish raippa "hoop, rope, twig" is a Germanic loan-word.

To know the ropes (1840, Dana) originally is a seaman's term. Phrase on the ropes "defeated" is attested from 1924, a figurative extension from the fight ring, where ropes figure from 1829. To be at the end of (one's) rope "out of resources and options" is first attested 1680s. Formerly also in many slang and extended uses related to punishment by hanging, e.g. John Roper's window "a noose," rope-ripe "deserving to be hanged," both 16c. To give someone (enough) rope (to hang himself) is from 1650s.

Example Sentences for rope

He bore still around him the rope that was to save the rest.

And he brought the mare to a halt by jerking the rope around her neck.

She'll buy her some spurs and try to rope and cut out and help brand.

I can feel the cold of the water yet, and your rope settling over my shoulders.

Over his shoulder he carried a bag, tied round and round with a rope.

I should think it wasn't over three and three-quarter-inch rope.

She would give him plenty of rope, she decided, not try to drive him.

Every rope and bolt in the craft was tried to the utmost, but all stood!

There was nothing very near me, not even a bit of wood, or a rope.

One day the captain fell foul of him, and beat him with a rope severely.

rope

freedom

freedoms

gallows

handcuff

independency

lace

lanyard

lasso

rope

More words related to rope

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