v.
(past trod; past part. trodden or trod)
- walk in a specified way.
▸
(tread on)
chiefly Brit. set one's foot down on top of.
▸walk on or along.
- press down or crush with the feet.
n.
- a manner or the sound of walking.
-
(also tread board)
the top surface of a step or stair.
- the thick moulded part of a vehicle tyre that grips the road.
▸the part of a wheel that touches the ground or rail.
- the part of the sole of a shoe that rests on the ground.
- the upper surface of a railway track, in contact with the wheels.
Phrase
- tread
(or chiefly N. Amer. step)
on someone's toes
offend someone by encroaching on their area of responsibility. - tread water
- maintain an upright position in deep water by moving the feet with a walking movement and the hands with a downward circular motion.
- fail to make progress.
Derivative
Etymology
OE tredan, of W. Gmc origin.