trample

/ˈtræmpl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtræmpl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈtram-pəl/ (ame, mw)

trample — verb

  • tramplepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • trampleshe / she / it
  • trampledpast simple
  • trampling-ing form

1. to press down heavily with your feet on a surface, a person, or a living thing,

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to press down heavily with your feet on a surface, a person, or a living thing, damaging or injuring them in the process

例句

A frightened horse trampled two of the stable hands in its panic to escape the fire.

transitive: trample [person/animal]

The hikers were told to stay on the path and not trample the wildflowers growing on the hillside.

transitive: trample [plants/vegetation]

同義詞
  • stomp

    more forceful and deliberate; often used for anger or celebration

  • tread on

    gentler; can mean simply placing your foot on something without damage

  • crush

    focuses on the result (destroying by pressure) rather than the action of stepping

反義詞
  • tread lightly

    to step carefully so as to avoid damage

  • protect

    to keep something safe from being walked on or damaged

文法句型

trample + object

trample on/upon + something

用法筆記

Often used in passive constructions (e.g., 'was trampled') or with the preposition 'on' when the action is not fully transitive.

常見錯誤

❌He trampled the floor with his shoes.
✅He trampled mud across the floor with his shoes.
💡'trample' implies damage or crushing, not just stepping.

Note: 'Trample on the grass' is more common in British English when referring to plants; American English readily accepts the transitive form 'trample the grass' as standard. Both are correct.

2. to treat someone or something with complete disrespect, especially by ignoring t

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to treat someone or something with complete disrespect, especially by ignoring their rights, feelings, or wishes

例句

The dictator's regime trampled on every basic freedom the citizens had fought for.

trample on [abstract right/freedom]

Sophie felt that her manager had trampled on her dignity by criticizing her in front of the whole team.

trample on [feeling/dignity]

同義詞
  • violate

    stronger legal/official tone; suggests breaking a rule or law

  • disregard

    less forceful; can mean simply not paying attention rather than actively harming

  • ride roughshod over

    idiomatic; more vivid but less formal, meaning to act without considering others at all

反義詞
  • respect

    to show proper regard for someone's rights or feelings

  • uphold

    to maintain and protect rights or principles

文法句型

trample on/upon + right/feeling/dignity

trample + right/freedom/principle

用法筆記

Commonly used with 'on' or 'upon' before the object. The figurative sense always implies contempt or ruthless disregard, not accidental neglect.

常見錯誤

❌He trampled on my advice.
✅He trampled on my rights.
💡'trample' is used for rights, dignity, and freedoms, not for general advice or suggestions.
❌The manager trampled the employee's idea.
✅The manager trampled on the employee's right to be heard.
💡Use 'trample on' or 'trample' with an abstract principle, not a concrete suggestion.