ramp Definition

ramp¹
noun

1. A sloping surface between two different levels, especially one which can be used instead of steps.

Thesaurus: rise, incline, slope, grade, hill, inclination, acclivity.
2. A set of movable stairs for entering and leaving an aircraft.
3. A low hump lying across a road, designed to slow traffic down.
4. A place where the level of the road surface changes or is uneven due to roadworks.
5. The slope of a wall-top, or anything similar, between two levels.

verb ramped, ramping

1. To provide with a ramp.
intr
2. To slope from one level to another.
intr
3. To dash about in a wild, violent and threatening way.

Form: ramp around (often)
Form: ramp about

Derivative: ramper
noun

Etymology: 18c: from French ramper (said of an animal) to creep or rear.

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ramp²
noun

1. slang
A swindle, especially the exploitation of a special situation to increase the price of a commodity.

verb ramped, ramping

1. slang
To rob or swindle.
2. commerce.
To increase greatly (the price of eg shares, etc), usually dishonestly and for financial advantage.
Form: ramp up (usually)

Derivative: ramping
noun

The practice of causing large false increases in the prices of shares, etc by dishonest means.

Etymology: 19c in these senses; 16c, meaning ‘snatch'.