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

Beginning with tobacco, they refitted the dusty doctrine as a battering ram and swung it at guns, lead paint, opioids and oil companies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

Lyndon Dykes is a battering ram, but Gabriel and Marquinhos have seen his sort before in their storied careers.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

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

From Salon ● May 30, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 24, 2025

The masonry of the doorway was constructed with deep slots in it, in which heavy beams ran to and fro— heavy enough to withstand a battering ram.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White