creeps: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “creeps” mean?
A physical sensation of fear or disgust, typically a shivering or shuddering feeling, often due to something unpleasant or eerie.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical sensation of fear or disgust, typically a shivering or shuddering feeling, often due to something unpleasant or eerie.
A feeling of unease, disgust, or fear. Informally, can refer to a person who induces such feelings (e.g., "He gives me the creeps"). The verb 'creep' can mean to move slowly and quietly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The idiom is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of unease, fear, or disgust, often triggered by something eerie, unsettling, or socially awkward.
Frequency
Equally frequent and colloquial in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “creeps” in a Sentence
[Subject] gives [Object] the creeps.[Subject] gets/has the creeps (from [Object]).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “creeps” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- That old portrait really creeps me out.
- I saw something creeping about in the garden last night.
American English
- That guy's stare totally creeps me out.
- Traffic was creeping along the highway.
adverb
British English
- The fog crept creepily over the moor.
- He moved creepily close.
American English
- The cat walked creepily slow.
- The door opened creepily by itself.
adjective
British English
- It was a creepy-crawly feeling.
- He told a creepy story.
American English
- That's a creepy old house.
- She got a creepy feeling.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used informally: "His micromanagement gives everyone the creeps."
Academic
Not used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Very common in informal speech to describe unsettling people, situations, or atmospheres.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “creeps”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “creeps”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “creeps”
- Using a singular form: *'a creep' (incorrect for the feeling).
- Using with incorrect article: *'give creeps' (must be 'the creeps').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the idiom 'give/get/have the creeps', yes, it is always plural. The singular 'a creep' refers to an unpleasant person.
'Creeps' is a noun (the feeling). 'Creepy' is an adjective describing something that causes that feeling (a creepy house).
No, it's an informal, colloquial expression. Use more formal terms like 'unease', 'apprehension', or 'revulsion' instead.
Yes, they are very similar informal synonyms for a feeling of nervous fear or disgust. 'The creeps' is more common.
A physical sensation of fear or disgust, typically a shivering or shuddering feeling, often due to something unpleasant or eerie.
Creeps: in British English it is pronounced /kriːps/, and in American English it is pronounced /krips/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give someone the creeps”
- “send shivers/creeps down your spine”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CREEPy person slowly CREEPing up behind you, giving you the CREEPs.
Conceptual Metaphor
FEAR/REVULSION IS A PHYSICAL SENSATION (crawling on the skin).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'creeps' correctly?