battering ram

noun

an ancient military device with a heavy horizontal ram for battering down walls, gates, etc.

any of various similar devices, usually machine-powered, used in demolition, by police and firefighters to force entrance to a building, etc.

Origin

1605-15

Examples from the web for battering ram

Neo tears the sign from the ground and wields it as a kendo sword, vaulting pole, and battering ram.
Clearly, a danger lurks in the use of investigations as a political battering ram.
Using your head as a battering ram may cause brain damage.
The narcotics team had already opened the door with a battering ram.
It measured twelve feet square at the base and contained a steam engine that actuated a white oak battering ram.
As the officers struck the door of the residence with a battering ram, several shots were fired at them from inside.
Upon finding that it was locked, they broke down the door with a battering ram.
They pulled up in a van outside the house, and several officers quickly broke down the door using a small metal battering ram.
When their knocks on the door failed to gain any response, they used a battering ram to open the reinforced door.
Prisoners used a table as a battering ram in an attempt to beat the door down.

British Dictionary definitions for battering ram

noun

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