step on

Verb

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

1. (transitive, recreational drugs) To adulterate (a drug) for the purpose of increasing its bulk, and therefore the profit when sold; to dilute, cut.
   • This seems implausible. If ecstasy is going to be stepped on, you'd dilute it with something cheaper than heroin.1994 December 18, NICK LEZARD, “Stepped-On X”, in alt.psychoactives (Usenet)
2. (transitive) To oppress or mistreat (a person).
   • He had been stepped on so many times he just didn't even get angry anymore.1985 April 20, Terry Baum, Monica Hileman, “Fighting Self-Censorship”, in Gay Community News, page 12
   • 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: […]2001, Kevin Leman, Living in a Step-Family Without Getting Stepped on, page 264

   Synonyms:

   tread

3. (transitive) To interrupt, overpower, or override (another transmission on the same frequency) with one's own transmission.
4. (dated, intransitive) To approach as to confront or fight.
   • He stepped on to the vicious man.
5. (slang, transitive) To intrude on someone else's turf or portfolio.
   • They're stepping on our operations.
6. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see step, on.
   • He stepped on a rock.