Main Entry: ¹creep

Pronunciation: \ˈkrēp\

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s): crept \ˈkrept\; creep·ing

Etymology: Middle English crepen, from Old English crēopan; akin to Old Norse krjūpa to creep

Date: before 12th century

1 a : to move along with the body prone and close to the ground b : to move slowly on hands and knees
2 a : to go very slowly <the hours crept by> b : to go timidly or cautiously so as to escape notice <she crept away from the festive scene> c : to enter or advance gradually so as to be almost unnoticed <age creeps up on us> <a note of irritation crept into her voice>
3 : to have the sensation of being covered with creeping things <the thought made his flesh creep>
4 of a plant : to spread or grow over a surface rooting at intervals or clinging with tendrils, stems, or aerial roots
5 a : to slip or gradually shift position b : to change shape permanently from prolonged stress or exposure to high temperatures