creep

verb (past and past participle crept krɛpt)

1》 move slowly and carefully, especially in order to avoid being heard or noticed.

    ↘move or progress very slowly and steadily.

    ↘(of a plant) grow along the ground or other surface by extending stems or branches.

2》 (of a plastic solid) undergo gradual deformation under stress.

3》 (creep to) informal behave obsequiously towards.

noun

1》 informal a contemptible person, especially one who behaves obsequiously in the hope of advancement.

2》 very slow, steady movement or progress.

    ↘gradual deformation of a plastic solid under stress.

3》 Brit. an opening in a hedge or wall for an animal to pass through.

    ↘a feeding enclosure for young animals, with a long, narrow entrance.

Phrases

give someone the creeps informal induce a feeling of revulsion or fear in someone.

make one's flesh creep cause one to feel revulsion and have a sensation like that of something crawling over the skin.

Derivatives

creeping adjective

Origin

OE crēopan, of Gmc origin.