tread

A step in walking or running

The grooved surface of a pneumatic tire

The part (as of a wheel or shoe) that makes contact with the ground

Structural member consisting of the horizontal part of a stair or step

Put down or press the foot, place the foot

“For fools rush in where angels fear to tread”

Tread or stomp heavily or roughly

“The soldiers trampled across the fields”

Crush as if by treading on

“Tread grapes to make wine”

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

Apply (the tread) to a tire

Mate with (used of male birds)

“Male birds tread the females”