Creep Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
creep
[kriหp ]
Definitions
in a negative way
A person who behaves in a cowardly or servile manner, especially by being deceitful or obsequious.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| creep |
Can also refer to someone who moves quietly and cautiously, often to avoid detection.
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| sneak |
Used when talking about moving stealthily or secretly to avoid being seen or heard.
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| sycophant |
Refers to someone who flatters or compliments others, usually of higher status, to gain favor or advantages. Has a negative connotation.
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| weasel |
Often refers to someone who is deceitful or untrustworthy. It has a negative connotation and is used to describe a person who avoids responsibility or is cunning in a dishonest way.
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Examples of usage
- He's such a creep, always trying to manipulate others for his own benefit.
- I can't stand that creep who keeps staring at me in the office.
move slowly and quietly
To move slowly and quietly in order to avoid being noticed or to surprise someone.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| creep |
Used again here in the sense of moving slowly and uncomfortably, often highlighting a nervous or fearful approach.
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| sneak |
Implies moving quietly and secretly, often with a sense of trying to avoid detection. This word can have a slightly negative connotation as it implies deceit.
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| slither |
Refers to moving smoothly over a surface in a side-to-side motion, often used for snakes or snake-like movement.
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| crawl |
Describes moving on hands and knees, like a baby, or how an insect moves. It can also refer to moving very slowly, such as in traffic.
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Examples of usage
- The cat began to creep towards the bird, ready to pounce.
- The fog crept in, covering the town in a mysterious haze.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The song 'Creep' by Radiohead explores feelings of inadequacy and alienation, resonating deeply with listeners.
- In horror films, 'creeping' is often used to build suspense before a scary moment, making it a staple in the genre.
- The term has been colloquially used to describe people who act in an unsettling or stalker-like manner.
Psychology
- Feeling 'creepy' can trigger a natural fight-or-flight response, where humans instinctively assess potential threats.
- Studies suggest that individuals who exhibit unpredictable behavior are often perceived as 'creepy' due to a violation of social norms.
- The 'creep' factor often involves a mismatch between someone's appearance and their behavior, leading to discomfort.
Nature
- Certain animals, like sloths and chameleons, exhibit creeping movements that help them remain undetected by predators.
- In botany, a 'creeping' plant refers to varieties that spread horizontally across the ground, like ivy or ground cover.
- The idea of 'creeping' can also relate to the slow, gradual encroachment of one species into another's territory in ecology.
Literature
- In literature, the metaphor of a 'creeping' presence often symbolizes the slow build-up of tension or dread within a story.
- The term appears in classic horror literature, where the atmosphere is thick with suspense as characters 'creep' through dark settings.
- Authors often use 'creeping' imagery to evoke feelings of anxiety or foreboding, enhancing the emotional impact of their narratives.
Origin of 'creep'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'creep' comes from the Old English term 'creopan,' meaning to crawl or to move slowly.
- In Middle English, it referred not only to moving but also to a feeling of fear or unease.
- The word has evolved over centuries to include both physical movement and a sense of uneasiness in social contexts.
The word 'creep' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'creopan' which meant 'to crawl or move slowly'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass both the negative connotation of deceitful behavior and the physical action of moving quietly. The word has been used in various forms throughout history, with its modern usage reflecting a combination of these meanings.