battering ram

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.

battering ram

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of battering ram¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

On first glance, Woltemade appears a battering ram of a centre forward - but that could not be further from the truth.

From BBC

The attorney general has become a national battering ram for Republican causes.

From Salon

The whisper is that England have decided he is not pacey enough to be a battering ram, nor has the skills to thrive with the new ball.

From BBC

“We are not going to let them use this as a political battering ram. The Rules Committee became the ground for them to do that.”

From Salon

Pounding at the Samoan barricades, the battering ram of Gilchrist eventually broke through to timber over for only his second international score.

From BBC