tread

¹tread

verb \ˈtred\

trod\ˈträd\ also tread·edtrod·den\ˈträ-d^ən\ or trodtread·ing

Definition of TREAD

transitive verb

1

a : to step or walk on or over b : to walk or proceed along : follow <treading a fine line between tradition and innovation>

2

a : to beat or press with the feet : trample b : to subdue or repress as if by trampling : crush

3

: to copulate with —used of a male bird

4

a : to form by treading : beat <tread a path> b : to execute by stepping or dancing <tread a measure>

intransitive verb

1

: to move or proceed on or as if on foot <must tread lightly>

2

a : to set foot <has gone where others fear to tread> b : to put one's foot : step <carelessly treading on the flowers>

3

: copulate

— tread·er noun

— tread on one's toes

: to give offense (as by encroaching on one's rights or feelings)

— tread water

: to keep the body nearly upright in the water and the head above water by a treading motion of the feet usually aided by the hands

Examples of TREAD

1. They slowly trod back to the camp.
2. Don't tread on the grass.
3. treading the halls of the Senate
4. Countless footsteps have trodden a path to their door.

Origin of TREAD

Middle English treden, from Old English tredan; akin to Old High German tretan to tread

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to TREAD

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

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

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