Definition of rampart

< rampant

rampike >

ram·part    (rmpärt, -prt) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A fortification consisting of an embankment, often with a parapet built on top.
2. A means of protection or defense; a bulwark. See Synonyms at bulwark.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
ram·part·ed, ram·part·ing, ram·parts

To defend with a rampart.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French rempart, from Old French, from remparer, to fortify : re-, re- + emparer, to fortify, take possession of (from Old Provençal amparar, from Vulgar Latin *ante parre, to prepare : Latin ante-, ante- + Latin parre, to prepare; see per-¹ in Indo-European roots)