This means to move very slowly and quietly, often trying not to be noticed. People or animals creep close to the ground or floor.
The cat creeps slowly to catch mice.
He creeps along the wall in the dark.
This use means that something moves or grows slowly and quietly, like fog or feelings, often without people noticing at first.
The fog crept over the hills at night.
Fear crept into her heart slowly.
This is a negative word for someone who acts in a strange or scary way that makes others feel uneasy or unsafe.
That man is a creep. Stay away!
She thinks he is a real creep.
In plants, creep means to grow along the ground or other surfaces by spreading stems that root in new places.
The ivy creeps along the garden wall.
Vines creep over the fence every summer.
In engineering and physics, creep means a slow change or movement of materials when they are under pressure or heat for a long time.
Metal creep happens under high heat and pressure.
The bridge shows signs of creep after years.
Sometimes creep is used for small animals or insects that move quietly on surfaces like walls or floors.
A creepy crawl creeps on the wall.
I saw a small creep in the garden.
This means to try very hard to get someone's approval by acting in a too nice way, which can be annoying or dishonest.
He creeps up to his boss to get a raise.
Don't creep to please everyone all time.
Creep can mean an uncomfortable or scary feeling, especially when something feels strange or frightening.
The old house gave me a creep.
I get creeps when I hear that story.