tread

verb
UK: /tred/
US: /tred/

  1. To put your foot down while walking or standing.

    1. I trod on his toe by accident.
    2. Be careful where you tread; the ground might be unstable after the rain.

  2. To walk in a specified way.

    1. He trod carefully on the broken glass.
    2. She trod lightly across the stage, barely making a sound to those watching.

  3. To press something into the ground with your feet.

    1. Farmers tread the grapes to make wine.
    2. The construction workers trod the asphalt to compact it before the rain started.

  4. To oppress or treat someone badly.

    1. The dictator trod upon the rights of his people.
    2. It's wrong to tread on the vulnerable, we must stand up for those at risk.

Synonyms

step walk trample footstep surface manner
tread noun

  1. The pattern on the surface of a tire that provides grip.

    1. The car needs new tires; the tread is worn.
    2. Check the tread on your tires regularly to ensure safe driving in wet conditions.

  2. The part of a step or stair that you put your foot on.

    1. The stair tread was slippery.
    2. Ensure the stair treads are secure to prevent accidents in the old house.

  3. The act or manner of treading.

    1. I heard the heavy tread of boots.
    2. We could hear the cautious tread of someone trying not to be heard on the stairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "tread" in English means: To put your foot down while walking or standing., To walk in a specified way., To press something into the ground with your feet., To oppress or treat someone badly..

The phonetic transcription of "tread" is /tred/ in British English and /tred/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "tread": step, walk, trample, footstep, surface, manner.

Example usage of "tread": "I trod on his toe by accident.". More examples on the page.