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The term that refers to high, steep, rugged land rising above the surrounding land is "mountains." Mountains are significant geographical features characterized by their elevation, steep slopes, and often rugged terrain. They can be formed through various geological processes such as tectonic activity, volcanic activity, or erosion over time. Islands, while they can rise above sea level, are generally defined as land masses surrounded by water and do not necessarily imply the high and rugged characteristics of mountains. Lakes refer to large bodies of water surrounded by land, which do not fit the definition of rising above the surrounding land. Peninsulas are landforms that are surrounded by water on three sides but are not necessarily elevated or rugged. Hence, "mountains" is the correct term to describe high, steep, rugged land.