footstep

Noun

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. (broadly, figuratively, sometimes) The indications or waypoints of a course or direction taken.
   • To walk the footsteps of greatness requires that you start at the bottom of a long stair.
   • follow in someone's footsteps

   Synonyms:

   point, path, step, trail

3. The sound made by walking, running etc.
   • The footsteps of the students echoed in the empty hall.
   • Hear footsteps creak the floor / The shadows give away / Someone outside the door / Won't let 'em in2009, “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!
   • 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. (obsolete) An inclined plane under a hand printing press.