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 knees2 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>4of a plant : to spread or grow over a surface rooting at intervals or clinging with tendrils, stems, or aerial roots5 a: to slip or gradually shift position b: to change shape permanently from prolonged stress or exposure to high temperatures