1 C1 formal
To physically step on something.
"Be careful not to tread upon the freshly planted seeds in the garden."
inseparable
tread upon
C1 formal inseparable transitive
To step on something physically, or to infringe on someone's rights, feelings, or territory.
In plain English
To put your foot on something, or to treat someone's rights or feelings like they don't matter.
What does "tread upon" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
To violate or show disrespect for someone's rights, feelings, or territory.
"The new regulations were seen as treading upon the civil liberties of ordinary citizens."
“
Don't tread upon the rights of the people.
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically place your foot on top of something.
Actually means
To put your foot on something, or to treat someone's rights or feelings like they don't matter.
Usage tip
Largely archaic or literary in the physical sense; still used in formal or rhetorical contexts to mean 'violate' or 'infringe upon'. Common in political and legal rhetoric. The shorter form 'tread on' is preferred in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "tread upon"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rights dignity toes ground feelings sovereignty
How to conjugate "tread upon"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tread upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
treads upon
he/she/it
Past simple
treaded upon
yesterday
Past participle
treaded upon
have + pp
-ing form
treading upon
continuous
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Other ways to say "tread upon"
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