Belay – Fix a running rope around an object to secure it

(Pronounced bee-lay)

To remember the definition of the word belay, use the following mnemonic:

He used a big lace (belay) from the giants shoe like a running rope. He fixed it around a rock to secure it, then began climbing down.

Examples of belay in a sentence

You were instructed to belay any heavy objects that could fall off of the back of the truck, you didn't listen and now there's stuff all over the road!

The teenagers belay their surfboards to the top of the car before going on holiday to the beach.

Experienced climbers know to belay the rope to a secure object before climbing down the mountain.