catch step verb 3noun 2forms 4 verb3 •To match the pace (of another person or a beat).Confronted by the beloved music of the South, the old veterans broke into cheers as they left their trains, and unconsciously caught step in time with the music. — 1900 •(figurative) To change so as to function harmoniously with; fit in.And so the pageant moves on and you and I now catch step and for a short time will play our part in making the pattern of the Federation of this day. — 1935 •(figurative) To adjust to advances in circumstances or criteria; catch up.The quickest way to get acquainted with these new conditions is to have them slap us in the face. Wait till we all catch step again, and then watch this country. — 1921 noun2 •A step in which one foot meets the other foot without passing it and the weight shifts to the foot that just moved.Frequently the patient, after taking a series of normal steps, suddenly takes a very long step with one leg and a catch step with the other, pauses a moment, and then proceeds to walk normally. — 1956 •A pause in order to assimilate new information.The interpreter took a catch step before it translated what he'd said, and Kivrin felt a fleeting surprise that she couldn't understand him. — 2012 formscaught step · catching step · catches step · catch steps
