Main Entry: ¹tread

Pronunciation: \ˈtred\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): trod \ˈträd\ also tread·ed; trod·den \ˈträ-d^ən\ or trod; tread·ing

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

Date: before 12th century

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