Definition of "rappel" [rap•pel]

• A descent of a vertical surface, as a cliff or wall, by sliding down a belayed rope that is passed under one thigh and over the opposite shoulder or through a device that provides friction, typically while facing the surface and performing a series of short backward leaps to control the descent. (noun)
• To descend from a steep height by this method. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "But now Michelle has a problem she can't blame on her competitors: She must rappel down the side of a skyscraper, and she's afraid of heights."
• "There was just enough slack in the umbilical to allow him to plant his feet on the railing and lean back as if he was about to rappel into the water."
• "And it turns out that Cashman's decisions last winter to rappel down buildings in Stamford, Conn., and guest bartend at charity events had little to do with whether he wanted to remain as general manager of the Yankees."