ram
UK[ræm]US[ræm]
n
An adult male sheep.
n
A device for battering, breaking down, or forcing open something.
v
To strike or push against something with great force.
Etymology
The word 'ram' has a direct and ancient lineage from Proto-Germanic rammaz, meaning 'male sheep'. This term is likely related to the Old Norse 'ramr', meaning 'strong', which reflects the animal's robust and forceful nature. The semantic extension from the animal to a battering device is a classic example of metaphorical borrowing, where the characteristic butting behavior of the male sheep lent its name to a siege engine designed for impact. This straightforward evolution from a concrete animal name to a tool and an action verb demonstrates how core Germanic vocabulary has remained stable and productive in English.
Analysis
The word 'ram' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a single, indivisible lexical unit.
Examples
The farmer separated the ram from the ewes.
The ancient soldiers used a heavy ram to break down the city gates.
He tried to ram the door open with his shoulder.