Crawly: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe small creatures that move along the ground, such as insects or spiders, giving a sensation of things crawling on your skin.

• The garden was full of crawly critters, making her feel uneasy
• She couldn't stand the thought of something crawly on her skin

Use this word when something or someone gives you a feeling of fear or discomfort, usually without obvious threat, often associated with ghosts, mysterious events, or someone's behavior.

• The old house at the end of the street looks really creepy at night
• His stare was so creepy that she had to look away

Use this for situations that make you feel anxious, uneasy, or disturbed, but not necessarily scared. It often involves unexpected events or disturbing imagery.

• She found his comments about the future rather unsettling
• Watching the documentary about the epidemic had a very unsettling effect on him

This word fits situations where the atmosphere is strange and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, often related to silence, fog, or unnatural occurrences.

• The forest was eerily quiet, making every small sound seem amplified
• There was an eerie glow coming from the abandoned building

Used to describe a sensation similar to something small moving on the skin, often causing discomfort or unease.

• After walking through the spider webs, she felt a crawly sensation all over her arms

Used to describe a shifting, pins-and-needles sensation that can occur when a limb 'falls asleep' or after prolonged pressure.

• After sitting cross-legged for too long, she felt a tingling sensation in her feet

Used to describe the urge to scratch an area of skin due to irritation, dryness, or allergy. Often associated with skin conditions or insect bites.

• The mosquito bites made his arms very itchy

Used to describe a sharp, stinging sensation often resulting from contact with something rough or irritating, like certain fabrics or plants.

• She touched the cactus and immediately felt a prickly sensation on her fingers