tread
v.v. to step or walk on something. You use this word when you want to describe the way someone walks or where they put their feet.
v. to set the foot down on the ground or on a surface while walking. Often used with a prepositional phrase to indicate the manner or location of the step.
Be careful not to tread on the flowers.
The hikers were told to tread carefully along the narrow mountain path to avoid loose rocks.
The negotiator had to tread carefully between the two opposing sides, ensuring that no single comment could be interpreted as a sign of favoritism.
From Middle English treden, from Old English tredan, from Proto-West Germanic tredan, from Proto-Germanic trudaną.
From Middle English tred, from treden (“to tread”).
The verb is often followed by 'on' or 'upon'. The past tense is 'trod' and the past participle is 'trodden'.
He treaded on my toeHe trod on my toeThe past tense of tread is 'trod', not 'treaded'.