Definition of creep
crept
play
\ˈkrept\;
creeping
intransitive verb
1 a
: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.
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
- 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
