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battering ram

American

noun

an ancient military device with a heavy horizontal ram for battering down walls, gates, etc.
any of various similar devices, usually machine-powered, used in demolition, by police and firefighters to force entrance to a building, etc.

battering ram British

noun

(esp formerly) a large beam used to break down the walls or doors of fortifications

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of battering ram

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Most humans would rather be a doormat than a battering ram, regardless of the urgency or circumstance.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

While leaning on a partner for support during the holidays is natural and even healthy, using them as an emotional battering ram is not.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 22, 2025

Henry was a battering ram for Baltimore last season; on Sunday he was barely a blip with 33 yards on 15 carries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

Pounding at the Samoan barricades, the battering ram of Gilchrist eventually broke through to timber over for only his second international score.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2025

‘Lock the door, and don’t open it to anyone today, not even if they bring a battering ram.’

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023