step

(stĕp)

noun

1. a. The single complete movement of raising one foot and putting it down in another spot, as in walking.
   b. A manner of walking; a particular gait.
   c. A fixed rhythm or pace, as in marching: keep step.
   d. The sound of a footstep.
   e. A footprint: steps in the mud.
2. a. The distance traversed by moving one foot ahead of the other.
   b. A very short distance: just a step away.
   c. steps Course; path: turned her steps toward home.
3. One of a series of rhythmical, patterned movements of the feet used in a dance: diagrammed the basic steps to the mambo.
4. a. A rest for the foot in ascending or descending.
   b. steps Stairs.
   c. Something, such as a ledge or an offset, that resembles a step of a stairway.
5. a. One of a series of actions, processes, or measures taken to achieve a goal.
   b. A stage in a process: followed every step in the instructions.
6. A degree in progress or a grade or rank in a scale: a step up in the corporate hierarchy.
7. Music
   a. The interval that separates two successive tones of a scale.
   b. A degree of a scale.
8. Nautical The block in which the heel of a mast is fixed.

verb stepped stepped, step·ping, steps verb, intransitive

1. To put or press the foot: step on the brake.
2. To shift or move slightly by taking a step or two: step back.
3. To walk a short distance to a specified place or in a specified direction: step over to the corner.
4. To move with the feet in a particular manner: step lively.
5. To move into a new situation by or as if by taking a single step: stepping into a life of ease.
6. To treat someone with arrogant indifference: He is always stepping on other people.

verb, transitive

1. To put or set (the foot) down: step foot on land.
2. To measure by pacing: step off ten yards.
3. To furnish with steps; make steps in: terraces that are stepped along the hillside.
4. Computer Science To cause (a computer) to execute a single instruction.
5. Nautical To place (a mast) in its step.

Phrasal Verbs: step aside To resign from a post, especially when being replaced. step down To resign from a high post. To reduce, especially in stages: stepping down the electric power. step in To enter into an activity or a situation. To intervene. step out To walk briskly. To go outside for a short time. Informal To go out for a special evening of entertainment. To withdraw; quit. step up To increase, especially in stages: step up production. To come forward: step up and be counted. To improve one's performance or take on more responsibility, especially at a crucial time.