tread Definition

tread
verb trod, trodden, trod, treading

intr
1. To put a foot or feet on it; to walk or step on it.

Example: trod on the cat's tail
Thesaurus: walk, pace, stride, tramp, hike, march, plod, trudge.
Form: tread on something (usually)
2. To step or walk on, over or along.

Example: trod the primrose path
3. To crush or press (into the ground, etc) with a foot or feet; to trample.

Example: treading ash into the carpet
4. To wear or form (a path, hole, etc) by walking.
5. To perform by walking.
intr
6. To suppress them; to treat them cruelly.

Form: tread on someone (usually)
7. Said of a male bird: to copulate with (a female bird).

noun

1. A manner, style or sound of walking.
2. An act of treading.
3. The horizontal part of a stair where someone puts their foot. Compare riser.
4. A mark made by treading; a footprint or track.
5a. The thick, grooved and patterned surface of a tyre that grips the road and disperses rain water;
5b. The depth of this surface. See also retread.
6a. The part of a wheel that comes into contact with a rail, the ground, etc;
6b. The part of a rail that comes into contact with the wheels.
7. The part of a shoe's sole that touches the ground.

Derivative: treader
noun

Derivative: treading
noun

Idiom: tread on delicate ground (tread on dangerous ground, tread on thin ice)

To be or come perilously close to making a blunder, offending someone, etc.

Idiom: tread on air

To be or feel exhilarated.

Idiom: tread on someone's toes

To encroach on their sphere of influence, etc.

To offend them.

Idiom: tread the boards

To go on the stage; to act.

Idiom: tread water

To keep oneself afloat and upright in water by making a treading movement with the legs and a circular movement with the hands and arms.

To hold back from making a decision, taking progressive action, etc, usually temporarily.
Example: The company will have to tread water until sales improve

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon tredan.

Phrasal Verb: tread something down

To press it down firmly with the foot or feet.

Phrasal Verb: tread in something

To put a foot in it.

Phrasal Verb: tread something in

To grind, press or trample it (into the ground, floor, carpet, etc).