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.

In a Facebook post, mountain rescue said the climbing leader was uninjured after the fall and managed to regain the belay device which helps to keep the climbers safe.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 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

You must be able to properly tie into the rope and your partner must be competent using a belay device to take in rope as you climb and then hold your weight.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 2, 2021

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