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

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

Glasgow hit back almost immediately, Tuipulotu arriving onto the ball like a battering ram to cut through the defence, skip past Henry Arundell and dive over to establish a 15-point advantage at the break.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2025

My dad barrels out of the living room like a battering ram, Mom and Rosemarie fluttering behind him.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven