battering ram

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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.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of battering ram

First recorded in 1605–15

Words nearby battering ram

batterer, batter-fry, batterie, batterie de cuisine, battering, battering ram, batter pile, batter's box, Battersea, battery, battery jar

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use battering ram in a sentence

In a statement to The Post, Bishop accused the FBI of using “brute force” in executing the search warrant at her home, including using a battering ram to open her door and handcuffing her in front of her children.
Attempted breach of Ohio county election network draws FBI and state scrutiny|Amy Gardner, Emma Brown, Devlin Barrett|November 19, 2021|Washington Post
Like, you’re not gonna see Lina Khan and a bunch of cops on the nightly news… busting through the front doors of Facebook headquarters with a battering ram… confiscating laptops, and computer servers and kegs of kombucha.
Kill Your Algorithm: Listen to episode two of the podcast featuring tales from a more fearsome FTC|Kate Kaye|October 28, 2021|Digiday
A mobile battering ram idled in front of their house as the officers tossed flash-bang grenades.
In Exclusive Jailhouse Letter, Capitol Riot Defendant Explains Motives, Remains Boastful|by Joshua Kaplan and Joaquin Sapien|May 11, 2021|ProPublica
The FBI previously alleged that Powell, wearing a pink hat and carrying a bullhorn, helped shatter a window with a battering ram and appeared to direct others at the scene.
Pa. woman charged in Capitol riot may face jail after allegedly flouting court order to wear mask|Spencer Hsu|April 16, 2021|Washington Post

Adding Suggs would give Stan Van Gundy the ability to use Williamson more often as a battering ram roll man in pick and rolls, and it would allow the Pelicans to move on from Eric Bledsoe.
The best NBA fits for Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs|Ben Golliver|April 7, 2021|Washington Post
One with a pistol strapped to his hip swings a battering ram into a door.
Local Cops Ready for War With Homeland Security-Funded Military Weapons|Andrew Becker, G. W. Schulz|December 21, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Tonight, he was a battering ram whenever anyone tried to interrupt him.
Mitt Romney Stands His Ground|Mark McKinnon|October 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST
His dream quickly turned prophetic, as Coach Beiste finally agreed to allow him to join the team as a human battering ram.
Britney Spears Invades Glee: 6 Best Moments|Shannon Donnelly|September 29, 2010|DAILY BEAST
But, also, such pulse-pounding adventure is a battering ram against the central bulwark of a civilized society.
Dubai's Hollywood Hitmen|James Carroll|February 19, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The door had locked itself behind me; they got a fence post for a battering ram, and the post burst into flame.
A Feast of Demons|William Morrison
The tortoise of the battering ram was constructed in the same way.
Ten Books on Architecture|Vitruvius
Virtus ariete fortior—Virtue is stronger than a 35 battering-ram.
Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources|James Wood
It had stout wheel-spokes and heavy felloes, a great curved bed, immense straps and springs, and a pole like a battering-ram.
Tess of the d'Urbervilles|Thomas Hardy
The first one caught Zimballo full in the chest and knocked him back against the wall with the shock of a battering ram.
Where the Pavement Ends|John Russell

British Dictionary definitions for battering ram

battering ram

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