Rope Definition
rōp
roped, ropes, roping
noun
ropes
A thick, strong cord made of intertwisted strands of fiber, thin wires, leather strips, etc.
Webster's New World
Such a cord, or a noose made of it, for hanging a person.
Webster's New World
Death by hanging.
Webster's New World
Such cords strung between posts to enclose a boxing ring.
Webster's New World
A ropelike string of things put together by or as by twisting, twining, braiding, or threading.
Webster's New World
verb
roped, roping
To become ropelike and sticky.
To cook candy until it ropes.
Webster's New World
To fasten, tie, or confine with or as with a rope.
Webster's New World
To connect or tie together (esp. mountain climbers) by a rope.
Webster's New World
To separate, mark off, or enclose with a rope.
Webster's New World
To catch or throw with a lasso.
Webster's New World
idiom
on the ropes
- Knocked against the ropes that enclose a boxing ring.
- On the verge of defeat or collapse; hopeless or powerless.
American Heritage
give someone (enough) rope
- to allow someone freedom of action in the expectation that that person will overreach himself or herself
Webster's New World
on the ropes
- knocked against the ropes
- near collapse or ruin
Webster's New World
rope in
- to entice or trick into doing something
Webster's New World
the end of one's rope
- the end of one's endurance, resources, etc.
Webster's New World
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Rope
- on the ropes
- give someone (enough) rope
- on the ropes
- rope in
- the end of one's rope
- the ropes
Origin of Rope
From Old English rāp. Cognate with Albanian rrip (“belt,rope").
From Wiktionary
Middle English from Old English rāp
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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