battering ram

American  

noun

1. an ancient military device with a heavy horizontal ram for battering down walls, gates, etc.

2. 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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battering ram British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of battering ram

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

battering ram

Internet access took a battering ram to information’s door, sending dizzying amounts of data our way overnight.

From Salon ● May 30, 2026

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

I have also picked up a sense from those inside Netflix that the company is often used as a battering ram to persuade the government that the UK's traditional broadcasters need more protections.

From BBC ● May 13, 2025

Another group arrived, pushing an iceberg like a battering ram.

From "The Wild Robot Protects" by Peter Brown