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step `noun` [ stɛp ]

• an act or movement of putting one leg in front of the other in walking or running.

• "Ron took a step back"

Similar: pace, footstep, stride, footfall, tread, tramp,

• a flat surface, especially one in a series, on which to place one's foot when moving from one level to another.

• "the bottom step of the staircase"

Similar: stair, tread, tread board, stairs, staircase, stairway, stoop,

• a measure or action, especially one of a series taken in order to deal with or achieve a particular thing.

• "a major step forward in the fight for justice"

Similar: course of action, measure, move, act, action, procedure, proceeding, initiative, manoeuvre, tactic, strategy, stratagem, operation, démarche, take action, take measures, take the initiative,

• an interval in a scale; a tone (whole step) or semitone (half step).

• an abrupt change in the value of a quantity, especially voltage.

• a block fixed to a boat's keel in order to take the base of a mast or other fitting.

step `verb`

• lift and set down one's foot or one foot after the other in order to walk somewhere or move to a new position.

• "Claudia tried to step back"

Similar: walk, move, tread, pace, stride, stamp, trample, tramp, squash, crush, flatten,

• set up (a mast) in its step.

Origin: Old English stæpe, stepe (noun), stæppan, steppan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch steppen and German stapfen .

step- `combining form`

• denoting a relationship resulting from a remarriage.

• "stepmother"

Origin: Old English stēop-, from a Germanic base meaning ‘bereaved, orphaned’.

break step

• stop walking or marching in step with others.
"they walked past me without even breaking step"

fall into step

• change the way one is walking so that one is walking in step with another person.
"Paul fell into step beside Bill"

in step

• putting one's feet forward alternately in the same rhythm as the people one is walking, marching, or dancing with.
"the duo looked comfortable in each other's company, as well as walking in step with each other"

follow in someone's steps

• do as someone else did, especially in making a journey or following a career.
"many of these youngsters hoped to follow in the steps of Gascoigne"

keep step

• remain walking, marching, or dancing in step.
"they marched up and down the parade ground, keeping step with the regimental band"

one step ahead

• managing to avoid competition or danger from someone or something.
"I try to keep one step ahead of the rest of the staff"

one step at a time

• so as to progress gradually and carefully from one stage to the next.
"he's taking everything one step at a time"

one step forward and two steps back

• used to describe a situation in which any progress made is counterbalanced by much greater setbacks.
"with corporate reform it is a case of one step forward and two steps back"

out of step

• not putting one's feet forward alternately in the same rhythm as the people one is walking, marching, or dancing with.
"they don't miss a beat, fluff a line, or put a foot out of step during the dance routines"

step by step

• so as to progress gradually and carefully from one stage to the next.
"I'll explain it to you step by step"

step into someone's shoes

• take control of a task or job from another person.
"he failed to notice the ambitious young men waiting to step into his shoes"

step it

• perform a dance.
"they stepped it down the room between the lines of dancers"

step on it

• go faster, typically in a motor vehicle.
"if we don't step on it, the pub will have closed for the afternoon"

step out of line

• behave inappropriately or disobediently.
"if you step out of line once more you're fired!"

step up to the plate

• take action in response to an opportunity or crisis.

watch one's step

• used as a warning to someone to walk or act carefully.
"you'd better watch your step with him—he's not as innocent as he looks"

step aside

• withdraw or resign from an important position or office.
"he has stepped aside as adviser to both firms"

step back

• mentally withdraw from a situation in order to consider it objectively.
"I have had to step back and take an honest look at my way of working"

step down

• withdraw or resign from an important position or office.
"he stepped down as party leader a week ago"

step forward

• offer one's help or services.
"a company has stepped forward to sponsor the team"

step in

• become involved in a difficult situation, especially in order to help.
"palace officials asked the government to step in"

step out

• leave a room or building for a short time.
"Mrs Giraud has had to step out for a while, but make yourself at home"

step out on

• be sexually unfaithful to a partner.
"your mama says Joe is stepping out on you with that strumpet Viola Stokes"

step up

• come forward for a particular purpose.
"Phil stepped up to coach the team"