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

²tread

noun

Definition of TREAD

1

: a mark (as a footprint or the imprint of a tire) made by or as if by treading

2

a (1) : the action of treading (2) : an act or instance of treading : step

b : manner of stepping

c : the sound of treading

3

a : the part of a shoe or boot sole that touches the ground; also : the pattern on the bottom of a sole

b (1) : the part of a wheel or tire that makes contact with a road or rail (2) : the pattern of ridges or grooves made or cut in the face of a tire

4

: the distance between the points of contact with the ground of the two front wheels or the two rear wheels of a vehicle

5

a : the upper horizontal part of a step

b : the width of such a tread

— tread·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of TREAD

1. The treads of the tires were badly worn.
2. running shoes with good treads

First Known Use of TREAD

13th century

Other Automotive Terms

articulated, block, choke, clutch, diesel, neutral, transmission