intransitive verb crept, creeping creep′·ing

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

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

noun

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