any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal; the situation called for strong measures; the police took steps to reduce crime
[ Syn: measure ]
a solid block joined to the beams in which the heel of a ship's mast or capstan is fixed
a sequence of foot movements that make up a particular dance; he taught them the waltz step
[ Syn: dance step ]
the distance covered by a step; he stepped off ten paces from the old tree and began to dig
the act of changing location by raising the foot and setting it down; he walked with unsteady steps'
support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway; he paused on the bottom step
[ Syn: stair ]
relative position in a graded series; always a step behind; subtle gradations in color; keep in step with the fashions
[ Syn: gradation ]
a short distance; its only a step to the drugstore
[ Syn: stones throw ]
the sound of a step of someone walking; he heard footsteps on the porch
a musical interval of two semitones
[ Syn: tone , whole tone , whole step ]
a mark of a foot or shoe on a surface; the police made casts of the footprints in the soft earth outside the window
step (n.)
shift or move by taking a step; step back'
move or proceed as if by steps into a new situation; She stepped into a life of luxury; he won't step into his father's footsteps'
put down or press the foot, place the foot; For fools rush in where angels fear to tread; step on the brake
[ Syn: tread ]
cause (a computer) to execute a single command
treat badly; This boss abuses his workers; She is always stepping on others to get ahead
furnish with steps; The architect wants to step the terrace'
move with one's feet in a specific manner; step lively'
walk a short distance to a specified place or in a specified manner; step over to the blackboard'
place (a ship's mast) in its step
measure (distances) by pacing; step off ten yards
[ Syn: pace ]