n.
Pronunciation: ' ramp
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French ramper to crawl, climb, rear, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rimpfan to bend, wrinkle ― more at RUMPLE
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 a : to stand or advance menacingly with forelegs or with arms raised b : to move or act furiously
2 : to creep up ― used especially of plants
3 : to speed up, expand, or increase especially quickly or at a constant rate ― used with up < ramp ing up to full speed>
transitive verb [ 4 ramp (electrical waveform)] : to increase, expand, or decrease especially quickly or at a constant rate ― usually used with up or down < ramp up production>