creep

To creep is defined as to move slowly and quietly while close to the ground.

(verb)

An example of creep is when you sneak in after everyone is sleeping and you walk on tip-toes in the dark.

The definition of a creep is the act of moving slowly or is slang for a scary or odd person who is unpleasant or repulsive.

(noun)

An example of a creep is a hill that is moving very slowly.
An example of a creep is a scary, leering old man who always stares at you when you walk by his house.

See creep in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb crept, creeping

to move along with the body close to the ground, as on hands and knees
to move slowly, stealthily, timidly, or furtively
to come on gradually and almost unnoticed: often with up
to cringe; fawn
to grow along the ground or a wall, as some plants
to slip slightly out of position
☆ to change in shape as the result of constant stress, temperature, etc.: said of materials, metals, etc.

Origin: ME crepen < OE creopan, to creep, lit., go bent down; akin to Swed krypa < IE base *ger-: see cradle

noun

the act of creeping
a creeping movement
the gradual deformation of a material, esp. a metal or alloy, due to constant stress, high temperature, etc.
☆ Slang a person regarded as very annoying, disgusting, etc.
Geol. the slow, almost imperceptible movement of soil and loose rock down a slope

See creep in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb crept crept (krĕpt), creep·ing, creeps

To move with the body close to the ground, as on hands and knees.
a. To move stealthily or cautiously.
b. To move or proceed very slowly: Traffic creeps at that hour.
Botany
a. To grow or spread along a surface, rooting at intervals or clinging by means of suckers or tendrils.
b. To grow horizontally under the ground, as the rhizomes of many plants.
To slip out of place; shift gradually.
To have a tingling sensation, made by or as if by things moving stealthily: a moan that made my flesh creep.

noun

The act of creeping; a creeping motion or progress.
Slang An annoyingly unpleasant or repulsive person.
A slow flow of metal when under high temperature or great pressure.
A slow change in a characteristic of electronic equipment, such as a decrease in power with continued usage.
Geology The slow movement of rock debris and soil down a weathered slope.
creeps Informal A sensation of fear or repugnance, as if things were crawling on one's skin: That house gives me the creeps.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English crepen

Origin: , from Old English crēopan

Learn more about creep

creep synonyms

creep phrase meanings

creep in a sentence

creep quotes

link/cite print suggestion box