1. (

• step ,
• tread ,

) put down or press the foot, place the foot; "For fools rush in where angels fear to tread"; "step on the brake" ;

2. (

• tread ,
• trample

) tread or stomp heavily or roughly; "The soldiers trampled across the fields" ;

3. (

• tread

) crush as if by treading on; "tread grapes to make wine" ;

4. (

• tread ,

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

5. (

• tread

) apply (the tread) to a tire ;

6. (

• tread ,

) mate with; "male birds tread the females" ;