rampart

English

Etymology

From Old French rempart (a rampart of a fort), from remparer (to defend, fortify, inclose with a rampart), from re- (again) + emparer (to defend, fortify, surround, seize, take possesion of), from en- + parer (to defend).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈɹæm.pɑː(ɹ)t/
  • (file)

Noun

rampart (plural ramparts)

  1. A defensive mound of earth or a wall with a broad top and usually a stone parapet; a wall-like ridge of earth, stones or debris; an embankment for defensive purpose.
  2. A defensive structure; a protective barrier; a bulwark.
  3. That which defends against intrusion from outside; a protection.
  4. (usually in the plural) A steep bank of a river or gorge.

Translations

Verb

rampart (third-person singular simple present ramparts, present participle ramparting, simple past and past participle ramparted)

  1. To defend with a rampart; fortify or surround with a rampart.
    • Coleridge
      Those grassy hills, those glittering dells, / Proudly ramparted with rocks.

Derived terms

Translations

Further reading

  • rampart in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
  • rampart in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
  • rampart at OneLook Dictionary Search
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