Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To place one's foot down onto (something), typically with pressure.
   • To tread or press upon with the foot.

Usage

• The verb "step on" requires a direct object (the thing being stepped on).
• It is used to describe the physical action of putting your foot down onto a surface or object.
• It often implies an accidental or careless action, but can also be deliberate.

Examples

• Verb:
  • Be careful not to step on the broken glass.
  • He accidentally stepped on my toe.
  • The cat hissed when I almost stepped on its tail.

Advanced Usage

• "step on it" (idiom): To hurry up; to accelerate (especially in a vehicle).
  • We're going to be late—step on it!
• "step on someone's toes" (idiom): To offend someone by encroaching on their area of authority or responsibility.
  • I don't want to step on anyone's toes by making changes without consulting the team.

Variants and Related Words

• Tread on (verb): A close synonym for "step on," often used interchangeably.
  • Please don't tread on the flowers.
• Stomp on (verb): To step on something heavily and forcefully, often with anger.
  • He stomped on the box to flatten it.

Synonyms

• Trample: To tread on and crush, often with a sense of violence or disregard.
• Crush: To press or squeeze with force, often causing deformation or destruction.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Step in: To become involved in a situation to help or intervene.
  • The teacher had to step in to stop the argument.
• Step over: To lift your foot to avoid stepping on something.
  • She stepped over the puddle.

Related Idioms

• Step on the gas: Similar to "step on it"; to go faster, especially in a car.
  • If you step on the gas, we might make it on time.
• Step on a crack (from the superstition): "Step on a crack, break your mother's back."
  • As a child, she would avoid stepping on cracks in the sidewalk.

Verb

1. place or press the foot on
   • He stepped on the hem of her long gown