ramped

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   Increased something quickly or in large amounts, especially in business or production.

   Grammar: Usually used in the phrasal verb 'ramp up'. Takes an object: 'They ramped up production.'

   Patterns

   • ramp up something
   • ramp something up
   • ramped up

   The company ramped up its advertising before the holiday season.

   Production was ramped up to meet the sudden demand.

   They ramped up security after the incident.

2. 2verbintransitive

   Rose or increased quickly and steadily.

   Grammar: Used with 'up': 'Prices ramped up.' No object.

   Patterns

   • ramp up
   • ramped up

   Costs ramped up dramatically last quarter.

   Tension ramped up as the deadline approached.

   The noise ramped up until we couldn't hear each other.

3. 3verbintransitiveold-fashionedliterary

   Behaved violently or wildly; rushed about.

   Grammar: Old-fashioned or literary. Often used of people or animals.

   Patterns

   • ramp about
   • ramp around

   The children ramped about the playground in excitement.

   He ramped around the room, shouting.

Word forms

Common combinations

ramp up production

The factory ramped up production to meet the growing demand.

ramp up efforts

The government ramped up efforts to fight the disease.

ramp up spending

They ramped up spending on advertising.

ramp up security

Airports ramped up security after the threat.

ramp up pressure

The union ramped up pressure on management.

Synonyms and how they differ

increase

More general; 'ramp up' suggests a rapid or deliberate increase.

boost

Often used for improving or raising something, not just increasing quantity.

escalate

Used for conflicts or problems becoming worse, not for production.

Opposites

Word family

ramp noun

A slope or inclined surface.

ramp up phrasal verb

To increase something.

Commonly confused: ramped or rampant?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “ramped”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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