krčiti

1. (of forest, land) to clear
   Seljaci su krčili šumu za nove njive. — The peasants were clearing the forest for new fields.
2. (krčiti put) to make one's way; to pave the way
   Krčio je sebi put kroz gužvu. — He was pushing his way through the crowd.
   Ona je krčila put mladim naučnicama. — She paved the way for young women scientists.

The perfective is iskrčiti / prokrčiti.