Meaning

(intransitive) To step or walk (on or across something); to trample..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To step or walk (on or across something); to trample.
2. (transitive) To step or walk upon.
3. (figuratively, with certain adverbs of manner) To proceed, to behave (in a certain manner).
4. To beat or press with the feet.
5. To work a lever, treadle, etc., with the foot or the feet.
6. To go through or accomplish by walking, dancing, etc.
7. To crush under the foot; to trample in contempt or hatred; to subdue; to repress.
8. (intransitive) To copulate; said of (especially male) birds.

Example Sentences

He trod back and forth wearily.

Don't tread on the lawn.

And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet haue troden, shall be thine inheritance, and thy childrens for euer, because thou hast wholly followed the Lord my God.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

yee that walk The Earth, and stately tread, or lowly creep

Actors tread the boards.

to tread lightly, to tread gently

to tread carefully, to tread cautiously, to tread warily

Word Forms

• treads
• treading
• trod
• tread
• treaded
• trodden
• treade

Synonyms for tread

Antonyms for tread

Related Words

When Should You Use Tread?

Use tread when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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