1. To trample on something: to step or put a foot on something, especially so as to crush or to damage it: Mother said, "Maxwell, please don't tread on the grass."

Later, tired and weary, the group trod back to camp.

2. To take a step or steps, or walk or step on, across, or along something: James has gone where others fear to tread.

The boys trod on the newly planted flowers in Marcy's yard.

3. To form something, such as, a path by trampling or walking: Janet can see that countless footsteps have been trodden to her door.

Dr. Livingstone visited parts of Africa where the foot of a white man had never trod before.

Look where the rabbits have trodden out a path in the snow.

4. To proceed or to behave in a particular way: The opposition realized that it would have to tread carefully against the other political party.
5. To repress or to treat someone or something harshly: Joshua was treading on Carol's feelings and her little son, Jimmy, sometimes tread on her toes.
6. Etymology: Old English tredan, from Proto-Germanic tredanan.

The noun is recorded from about 1225, from the verb; in reference to automobile tires, it is recorded from 1906.

1. To keep an upright position in deep water by moving the feet with a walking movement and the hands with a downward circular motion: Sam was treading water as a form of exercise.
2. Failing to advance or to make progress: There are some people who are treading water as they struggle to survive without jobs in these bad economic times.