battering ram

Meaning

1. (historical) A heavy object used for battering down walls and gates or a siege engine that includes such an object.
2. A modern device, usually in the form of a metal bar with handles, chiefly used by police and firefighters to force open locked doors.
3. (figuratively) Something which acts as a powerful tool against something.

Synonyms

ram

🐏

spur

tup

Translations

bélier

🐏

stormram

aríete

ariete

ariete

🐏

Sturmbock

aries

🐏

Rammbock

مدق

ariet

Ramme

🐏

πολιορκητικός κριός

pisón

şahmerdan

Etymology

The heads of some battering rams were carved in the shape of a ram, an animal renowned for butting with its head.