step

²step

verb

steppedstep·ping

Definition of STEP

intransitive verb

1

a : to move by raising the foot and bringing it down elsewhere or by moving each foot in succession b : dance

2

a : to go on foot : walk b obsolete : advance, proceed c : to be on one's way : leave —often used with along d : to move briskly <kept us stepping>

3

: to press down with the foot <step on the brake>

4

: to come as if at a single step <stepped into a good job>

transitive verb

1

: to take by moving the feet in succession <step three paces>

2

a : to move (the foot) in any direction : set <the first man to step foot on the moon> b : to traverse on foot

3

: to go through the steps of : perform <step a minuet>

4

: to make erect by fixing the lower end in a step <step the mast>

5

: to measure by steps <step off 50 yards>

6

a : to provide with steps b : to make steps in <step a key>

7

: to construct or arrange in or as if in steps <craggy peaks with terraces stepped up the sides — Time>

— step on it

: to increase one's speed : hurry up

Examples of STEP

1. She stepped onto the bus.
2. They stepped aside to let her pass.
3. Please step away from the door.
4. He stepped outside for a moment.
5. Step in my office for a minute.

First Known Use of STEP

before 12th century

Related to STEP

Synonyms: ambulate, foot (it), hoof (it), leg (it), pad, walk, traipse, tread

Antonyms: crawl, creep, poke

Related Words: parade, promenade; march, pace, step out, stride, troop; power walk; hike, peregrinate, trek; amble, mosey, perambulate, ramble, saunter, stroll, wander; clump, stomp, stump, tramp, trample, tromp; footslog, plod, trudge; gimp, hobble, limp; mince, prance, pussyfoot, tiptoe; bounce, sashay, stalk, strut, swagger; falter, lumber, lurch, pound, scuff, shamble, shuffle, stagger, stumble, toddle, waddle; nip, tap, trip, trot

Near Antonyms: dally, dawdle, dillydally, drag, hang (around or out), lag, linger, loiter, poke, tarry; amble, lumber, plod, saunter, shuffle, stroll; decelerate, slow (down or up)

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