footstep

From Middle English fotstep, fotstappe, from Old English *fōtstepe, *fōtstæpe (attested only in derivative fōtstappel (“footstep”)), equivalent to foot +‎ step. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Foutstappe (“footstep”), West Frisian fuotstap (“footstep”), Dutch voetstap (“footstep”).

• IPA^(key): /ˈfʊtstɛp/
• Hyphenation: foot‧step

• Audio (US)

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footstep (plural footsteps)

1. The mark or impression left by a foot; a track.

   Synonyms: footprint, step, track

   The child watched as his footsteps in the sand were washed away by the waves.

2. (by extension, sometimes figurative) The indications or waypoints of a course or direction taken.

   Synonyms: point, path, step, trail

   To walk the footsteps of greatness requires that you start at the bottom of a long stair.

   follow in someone's footsteps

3. The sound made by walking, running etc.

   Synonyms: footfall, plod, step, tread

   The footsteps of the students echoed in the empty hall.

4. A step, as in a stair.

   Synonyms: riser, step

   The garden path had a small footstep down to the main walkway.

5. The distance between one foot and the next when walking; a pace.

   Synonyms: pace, step, stride

   Mere footsteps away from the victim lay the murder weapon.

6. The act of taking a step.

   Synonyms: pace, plod, step, stride, tread

   Take one more footstep towards me, and I'll make you sorry!

   • 1780, William Cowper, “Light Shining out of Darkneſs”, in Twenty-ſix Letters on Religious Subjects […] To which are added Hymns […] ‎, 4th edition, page 252:

     God moves in a myſterious way, / His wonders to perform; / He plants his footſteps in the ſea, / And rides upon the ſtorm.

7. (obsolete) An inclined plane under a hand printing press.

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