<p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>trod, trodden or trod, tread·ing: to set down the foot or feet in walking; step; walk.</li><li>to step, walk, or trample so as to press, crush, or injure something (usually followed by on or upon): to tread on a person's foot.</li><li>(of a male bird) to copulate.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to step or walk on, about, in, or along.</li><li>to trample or crush underfoot.</li><li>to form by the action of walking or trampling: to tread a path.</li><li>to treat with disdainful harshness or cruelty; crush; oppress.</li><li>to perform by walking or dancing: to tread a measure.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the action of treading, stepping, or walking.</li><li>the sound of footsteps.</li><li>manner of treading or walking.</li><li>a single step as in walking.</li><li>any of various things or parts on which a person or thing treads, stands, or moves.</li><li>the part of the under surface of the foot or of a shoe that touches the ground.</li><li>the horizontal upper surface of a step in a stair, on which the foot is placed.</li><li>the part of a wheel, tire, or runner that bears on the road, rail, etc.</li><li>the pattern raised on or cut into the face of a rubber tire.</li><li>a metal tread on which a Caterpillar-style vehicle moves.</li><li>that part of a rail in contact with the treads of wheels.</li></ul>