creep

play

verb \ˈkrēp\

Definition of creep

play \ˈkrept\;

intransitive verb
1a : to move along with the body prone and close to the ground A spider was creeping along the bathroom floor.b : to move slowly on hands and knees He crept toward the edge of the cliff.
2a : 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
5a : to slip or gradually shift position The high temperatures of the jet engine cause the turbine blade to creep.b : to change shape permanently from prolonged stress or exposure to high temperatures

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

noun

1 : a movement of or like creeping traffic moving at a creep
2 : a distressing sensation like that caused by the creeping of insects over one's flesh; especially : a feeling of apprehension or horror —usually used in plural with the That gives me the creeps.
3 : a feed trough accessible only by young animals and used especially to supply special or supplementary feed —called also creep feeder
4 : the slow change of dimensions of an object from prolonged exposure to high temperature or stress
5 : an unpleasant or obnoxious person
6 : a slow but persistent increase or elevation This political inertia … makes budget creep inevitable. — The Wall Street Journal

First Known Use: 1818

play

verb

noun

play

verb \ˈkrēp\

\ˈkrept\;

1 : to move along with the body close to the ground or floor : move slowly on hands and knees : crawl
2 : to move or advance slowly, timidly, or quietly Moving quietly, I crept halfway down the stairs and listened. — Avi, Crispin
3 : to grow or spread along the ground or along a surface Ivy was creeping up a wall.

play

noun

1 : a strange or unlikable person
2 : a slow, timid, or quiet movement
3 : a feeling of nervousness or fear —usually used in pl. Spiders give me the creeps.