step on

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

step on (third-person singular simple present steps on, present participle stepping on, simple past and past participle stepped on)

1. (recreational drugs, transitive) To adulterate (a drug) for the purpose of increasing its bulk, and therefore the profit when sold; to dilute, cut.
   • 1994 December 18, NICK LEZARD, “Stepped-On X”, in alt.psychoactives‎ (Usenet):

     This seems implausible. If ecstasy is going to be stepped on, you'd dilute it with something cheaper than heroin.

2. (transitive) To oppress or mistreat (a person).

   Synonym: tread

   • 1985 April 20, Terry Baum, Monica Hileman, “Fighting Self-Censorship”, in Gay Community News, page 12:

     He had been stepped on so many times he just didn't even get angry anymore.

   • 2001, Kevin Leman, Living in a Step-Family Without Getting Stepped on, page 264:

     When that happens, you'll be able to move beyond simply trying to avoid being stepped on or stepping on others in your blended family, and you can concentrate on your real goal: […]

3. (radio communications, transitive) To interrupt, overpower, or override (another transmission on the same frequency) with one's own transmission.
4. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see step,‎ on.

• Pontes, netops, pontes, posnet, septon