tread
Third Person
treads
Present Participle
treading
Past Tense
trod
Past Participle
trodden
1
to step on or crush something with the feet, often implying a forceful or heavy action
transitive
- The muddy boots tread on the freshly planted flowers, leaving imprints in the garden.
- The marching soldiers tread on the soft soil, leaving a pattern of footprints on the training ground.
- To extinguish the embers, he had to tread on the campfire carefully with his boots.
- The kids were warned not to tread on the fragile artwork displayed on the classroom floor.
- In the rush to board the train, passengers often inadvertently tread on each other's belongings.
Synonyms:
2
to move along a path, surface, or area by taking steps
- The hikers tread along the mountain trail, enjoying the breathtaking views.
- As the procession began, the participants tread slowly down the aisle of the church.
- To explore the historical city, tourists chose to tread through the cobblestone streets.
- In the quiet forest, the deer tread softly through the fallen leaves.
- The marathon runners were determined to tread across the entire length of the racecourse.
Synonyms:
3
to suppress or control with force, as if trampling down opposition or resistance
transitive
- The authoritarian regime sought to tread any dissent, silencing opposing voices.
- In times of crisis, the government may attempt to tread resistance by implementing strict measures.
- The powerful corporation aimed to tread any form of competition by absorbing smaller companies.
- The authorities decided to tread the protests by deploying a significant police presence.
- To maintain control, the dictator ruthlessly tread any signs of rebellion.
4
(of a male bird) to engage in the mating process
transitive
- During the breeding season, the male peacock treads the female to fertilize her eggs.
- The male swan treads the female gracefully, their synchronized movements a part of their mating ritual.
- The male pheasant treads the female as part of the courtship display.
- The male rooster treads the hen to fertilize her eggs, ensuring the continuation of their species.