/ ræmp; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
a slope that joins two parts of a road, path, building, etc. when one is higher than the other :
Ramps should be provided for wheelchair users.
2.
( NAmE ) = slip road :
a freeway exit ramp
—see also off-ramp , on-ramp
3.
a slope or set of steps that can be moved, used for loading a vehicle or getting on or off a plane :
a loading ramp
■ verb
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PHRASAL VERBS
- ramp sth up
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (as a verb in the sense rear up , also used as a heraldic term): from Old French ramper creep, crawl, of unknown origin. The current senses date from the late 18th cent.