trample on (someone or something)

trample on (someone or something)

1. Literally, to walk or run over something, especially as to cause damage or injury. The panicked crowd trampled on the poor girl, resulting in numerous broken bones. The neighbors' dogs got into my studio and trampled on my latest painting.2. To destroy, debase, or dismiss something through rough, abrasive, or insensitive treatment. The professor really trampled on my ambitions when she critiqued my thesis. Why do you feel the need to trample on these kids and their feelings like that?See also: on, trample

trample (up)on someone or something

to crush someone or something underfoot. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Please don't trample upon the flowers! The bulls running through the streets trampled on some of the bystanders.See also: on, trample

trample on

v.1. To tread heavily or destructively on something: The children trampled on the flowers. 2. To inflict injury on something as if by treading heavily: Why do you trample on the feelings of those around you?See also: on, trample