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Belayed: meaning, definitions and examples

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belayed

 

[ bɪˈleɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

climbing terminology

To belay means to secure a climber with a rope or a safety device. It involves a technique where one person holds and manages the rope while another climbs, providing safety and support by controlling the slack in the rope.

Synonyms

anchor, safeguard, secure

Examples of usage

  • He belayed his partner as they climbed the difficult route.
  • She learned how to belay before attempting her first lead climb.
  • The instructor demonstrated how to properly belay a novice climber.
Context #2 | Verb

general delay

Belayed can also refer to the act of delaying or postponing something. In this context, it indicates that an action or event is put off until a later time.

Synonyms

delayed, postponed, suspended

Examples of usage

  • The meeting was belayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • His departure was belayed until the weather improved.
  • They belayed the project launch for further review.

Translations

Translations of the word "belayed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atrasado

🇮🇳 बिलम्बित

🇩🇪 verspätet

🇮🇩 terlambat

🇺🇦 затриманий

🇵🇱 opóźniony

🇯🇵 遅れた

🇫🇷 retardé

🇪🇸 retrasado

🇹🇷 gecikmiş

🇰🇷 지연된

🇸🇦 متأخر

🇨🇿 zpožděný

🇸🇰 oneskorený

🇨🇳 延迟的

🇸🇮 zamujen

🇮🇸 seinkað

🇰🇿 кешіктірілген

🇬🇪 დაგვიანებული

🇦🇿 gecikmiş

🇲🇽 retrasado

Word origin

The word 'belay' comes from the Middle English term 'beleien,' which means to make fast or secure. This word is derived from the Old Norse 'bela,' meaning to secure or hold. The use of 'belay' in climbing context dates back to the late 19th century, as climbing became more popular and formalized as a sport. It reflects the importance of safety and technique in climbing, establishing protocols for climbers to ensure each other's well-being while ascending. Over time, the term has evolved and is now widely recognized in both recreational and competitive climbing communities. The application of the term has expanded to include meanings related to delaying or postponing actions, likely from the connotation of holding or securing an event in abeyance.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,223, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.