tread

noun

1. a step in walking or running

Similar word(s): pace, stride

Definition categories: act, step

2. the grooved surface of a pneumatic tire

Definition categories: man–made, surface

3. the part (as of a wheel or shoe) that makes contact with the ground

Definition categories: man–made, contact, tangency

4. structural member consisting of the horizontal part of a stair or step

Definition categories: man–made

verb

1. put down or press the foot, place the foot

- For fools rush in where angels fear to tread

Similar word(s): step

Definition categories: motion, go, locomote, move, travel

2. tread or stomp heavily or roughly

Similar word(s): trample

Definition categories: motion, walk

3. crush as if by treading on

- tread grapes to make wine

Definition categories: contact, crush, mash, squash, squeeze, squelch

4. brace (an archer's bow) by pressing the foot against the center

Definition categories: contact, brace

5. apply (the tread) to a tire

Definition categories: possession, apply, give

6. mate with

- male birds tread the females

Definition categories: contact, copulate, couple, mate, pair