ramrod

American  

[ram-rod] / ˈræmˌrɒd /

noun

1. a rod for ramming down the charge of a muzzleloading firearm.

2. a cleaning rod for the barrel of a firearm.

3. a strict disciplinarian; martinet.

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verb (used with object)

ramrodded, ramrodding

1. to exert discipline and authority on.

2. to strike or injure with or as if with a ramrod.

3. to accomplish or put into action by force, intimidation, etc..

   to ramrod a bill through Congress.

ramrod British  

/ ˈræmˌrɒd /

noun

1. a rod for cleaning the barrel of a rifle or other small firearms

2. a rod for ramming in the charge of a muzzle-loading firearm

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Etymology

Origin of ramrod

First recorded in 1750–60; ram ¹ + rod

Example Sentences

Each picture is composed just so, to accentuate her best features: the long, swanlike neck; the well-toned midriff; the high, strong shoulders; the ramrod posture; and—this feels new—the gaunt cheeks and picture-perfect jawline.

From Slate • Jan. 31, 2024

Mr. Reddick, a classically trained pianist who attended Yale University’s School of Drama, often built his performances in police dramas around a drill-sergeant demeanor — with a gleaming scalp, gravelly baritone voice and ramrod bearing.

From Washington Post • Mar. 17, 2023

“First of all, she’s smart as hell. She has a backbone like a ramrod and she has enormous integrity,” he said.

From Washington Times • Oct. 24, 2022

It was evening in France, and she sat ramrod straight as she spoke passionately about subjects ranging from her sculpture and her forthcoming memoir to her love of pasta.

From New York Times • Oct. 4, 2022

I forced myself out of my hiding place and walked toward him, my back ramrod straight.

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson