rampart

American  

[ram-pahrt, -pert] / ˈræm pɑrt, -pərt /

noun

1. Fortification.

   1. a broad elevation or mound of earth raised as a fortification around a place and usually capped with a stone or earth parapet.

   2. such an elevation together with the parapet.

2. anything serving as a bulwark or defense.

   Synonyms:

   guard, barricade, breastwork, fortification

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verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with or as if with a rampart.

rampart British  

/ ˈræmpɑːt /

noun

1. the surrounding embankment of a fort, often including any walls, parapets, walks, etc, that are built on the bank

2. anything resembling a rampart in form or function, esp in being a defence or bulwark

3. a steep rock wall in a river gorge

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verb

1. (tr) to provide with a rampart; fortify

Etymology

Origin of rampart

1575–85; < Middle French, derivative of remparer, equivalent to re- re- + emparer to take possession of < Provençal amparar ≪ Latin ante- ante- + parāre to prepare

Explanation

If you are building a sand castle and want it to be extra realistic, don’t forget the rampart. This protective wall may not keep the ocean away, but it might intimidate a few hostile hermit crabs. This noun is derived from the French verb remparer, meaning “to fortify,” and dates back to the 16th century. This usually refers to a large defensive wall surrounding a castle, but can be a barrier built along a road or an embankment constructed alongside a river. This word is famously used in the lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States: “O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming...”

Example Sentences

At the same time, oversight of anti-gang units has slipped in the years since Rampart, she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Ranging in age from 31 to 60, the men are all L.A.-area residents, hailing from neighborhoods including Boyle Heights, Westlake and Rampart Village.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2025

Kleibacker had most recently assigned to Rampart Division, and his social media presence suggested that he joined the department after serving in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2025

Later, I bumped into a couple of Rampart Division officers outside Langer’s, and they said they’re beginning a crackdown.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2024

I went into one store after the other along Dryades and Rampart Streets.

From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin

Related Words

• barricade