Definition of "belay" in English

verb

1. (ambitransitive, nautical) To make (a rope) fast by turning it around a fastening point such as a cleat.

2. (transitive, climbing) To handle a climbing rope to prevent (a climber) from falling to the ground.

   • He would need an experienced partner to belay him on the difficult climbs.
   • I could only hope the remaining piton would belay his fall.

3. (transitive) To lay aside; to stop; to cancel.

   • Belay that order!

4. (intransitive, nautical) The general command to stop or cease.

5. (transitive, obsolete) To surround; to environ; to enclose.

6. (transitive, obsolete) To overlay; to adorn.

7. (transitive, obsolete) To besiege; invest; surround.

8. (transitive, obsolete) To lie in wait for in order to attack; block up or obstruct.

noun

1. (climbing) The securing of a rope to a rock or other sturdy object.

2. (climbing) The object to which a rope is secured.

3. (climbing) A location at which a climber stops and builds an anchor with which to secure their partner.

verb

1. simple past of belie (“encompass”)