footstep

plural footsteps

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

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

   Synonyms: footprint, step, track

2. broadlyfigurativelysometimesThe indications or waypoints of a course or direction taken.

   follow in someone's footsteps

   1 more example

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

   Synonyms: point, path, step, trail

3. The sound made by walking, running etc.

   The footsteps of the students echoed in the empty hall.

   1 more example

   Hear footsteps creak the floor / The shadows give away / Someone outside the door / Won't let 'em in

   2009, “A Looking In View”, in Jerry Cantrell (lyrics), Black Gives Way To Blue, performed by Alice in Chains, Track 5

   Synonyms: footfall, plod, step, tread

4. A step, as in a stair.

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

   Synonyms: riser, step

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

   Mere footsteps away from the victim lay the murder weapon.

   Synonyms: pace, step, stride

6. The act of taking a step.

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

   1 more example

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

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

   Synonyms: pace, plod, step, stride, tread

7. obsoleteAn inclined plane under a hand printing press.