rope
pronunciation
How to pronounce rope in British English:
UK [rəʊp]
How to pronounce rope in American English:
US [roʊp]
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- Noun:
- a strong line
- street names for flunitrazepan
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- Verb:
- catch with a lasso
- fasten with a rope
Word Origin
- rope
- rope: [OE] Rope is a general Germanic term, represented also by German reif, Dutch reep, Swedish rep, and Danish reb (the German word now means ‘hoop, loop’). These point to a prehistoric Germanic ancestor *raipaz, whose ultimate origins are not known. A stirrup is etymologically a ‘climbing rope’.=> stirrup
- rope (n.)
- Old English rap "rope, cord, cable," from Proto-Germanic *raipaz (cognates: Old Norse reip, West Frisian reap, Middle Dutch, Dutch reep "rope," Old Frisian silrap "shoe-thong," Gothic skauda-raip "shoe-lace," Old High German, German reif "ring, hoop"). Technically, only cordage above one inch in circumference and below 10 (bigger-around than that is a cable). Nautical use varies. Finnish raippa "hoop, rope, twig" is a Germanic loan-word. To know the ropes (1840, Dana) originally is a seaman's term. Phrase on the ropes "defeated" is attested from 1924, a figurative extension from the fight ring, where ropes figure from 1829. To be at the end of (one's) rope "out of resources and options" is first attested 1680s. Formerly also in many slang and extended uses related to punishment by hanging, such as John Roper's window "a noose," rope-ripe "deserving to be hanged," both 16c. To give someone (enough) rope (to hang himself) is from 1650s.
- rope (v.)
- c. 1300, "bind with a rope," from rope (n.). Meaning "mark off with rope" is from 1738; to rope (someone or something) in is from 1848. Related: Roped; roping.
Example
- 1. He gave a quick pull on the rope .
- 2. A short rope was dragging from his neck .
- 3. They waited for the crew chief to give the signal to throw the rope .
- 4. Could it cut the rope as well ?
- 5. Tie a rope or a tug toy to the door of your fridge .