creep
B2Informal to neutral. The noun sense describing a person is strongly informal, often derogatory.
Definition
Meaning
To move slowly, quietly, and carefully, often in a way that is not noticed; to gradually increase or occur in a slow, steady way.
Also refers to an unpleasant, unpleasantly strange, or pathetic person, often one who behaves in a secretive, dishonest, or intrusive manner. The term can describe slow, undesirable changes in systems, values, or physical objects.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries strong connotations of stealth, secrecy, intrusion, or unnatural/slow movement. Often used to describe undesirable, insidious processes or contemptible people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical difference. The noun sense 'unpleasant person' is common in both. 'Creep up on' (approach stealthily) is universal.
Connotations
Identical strong negative connotations for the noun (person) and for the verb implying stealth or dishonesty.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in informal AmE for the noun 'creep' (as an insult). Technical 'creep' (material deformation) is equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] creeps [adverb/preposition] (e.g., The cat crept under the bed).[Subject] creeps [Object] out (phrasal verb, e.g., He creeps me out).[Subject] creeps [adverbial of direction] (e.g., Doubts began to creep in).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give someone the creeps”
- “Creep up on someone/something”
- “Creep into the conversation”
- “The creeping hours”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Scope creep' in project management refers to uncontrolled changes or continuous growth in a project's scope."
Academic
"Metals exhibit 'creep' deformation under constant stress at high temperatures."
Everyday
"I saw a spider creep along the wall." / "Don't be such a creep!"
Technical
"In geology, 'soil creep' is the slow downward movement of surface material on a slope."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The fog began to creep in from the sea.
- She crept downstairs to avoid waking her parents.
- Prices have crept up again this quarter.
American English
- Try not to let errors creep into the final report.
- He totally creeps me out with his constant staring.
- Vines are creeping up the side of the garage.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb. 'Creepingly' is archaic/rare.
American English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb. 'Creepingly' is archaic/rare.
adjective
British English
- He has a really creepy feeling about that old house.
- That's a creepy-crawly insect!
- The film had a creepy atmosphere.
American English
- She told a creepy ghost story.
- I got a creepy vibe from that guy.
- Avoid that creepy old mansion.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby creeps on the floor.
- Don't creep up on me!
- A strange man was creeping around the garden last night.
- Winter is creeping in; the days are getting shorter.
- A sense of doubt began to creep into her mind as she reviewed the evidence.
- He's such a creep, always making inappropriate comments.
- The government has been accused of allowing mission creep in its military operations.
- A slow creep of bureaucracy is stifling innovation in the company.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A CREEPER plant CREEPs slowly up the wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME/CHANGE IS A SLOW, STEALTHY MOVER (e.g., 'old age crept up on him', 'suspicion crept into her mind').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'creep' (person) as "ползун" or "пресмыкающееся". Use "отвратительный тип", "нудный человек".
- The verb 'creep' (move slowly) is broader than "красться" (which implies intent to hide). It can be neutral or physical (e.g., "ivy creeps up the wall" ≠ "ivy крадётся").
- "Give someone the creeps" means вызывать омерзение/неприятное ощущение/мурашки, not simply "напугать".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'creep' as a regular past tense (it is irregular: creep-crept-crept).
- Using the noun for a person in formal contexts.
- Confusing 'creep' with 'crawl' (which usually implies being on hands and knees or moving very close to the ground).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'creep' in its noun form meaning 'an unpleasant person'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The past tense and past participle is 'crept' (irregular verb: creep-crept-crept).
It's a phrasal verb meaning to make someone feel uneasy, frightened, or disgusted (e.g., 'His strange behaviour really creeps me out').
Mostly, but not always. The verb can be neutral when describing very slow natural movement (e.g., 'ivy creeping up a wall'). The noun for a person is always negative.
'Crawl' typically implies movement on hands and knees, or very slow progress close to the ground/surface. 'Creep' emphasizes stealth, quietness, and often an element of fear or avoidance of detection. A baby crawls; a spy creeps.