Creeped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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creeped
['kri:pt ]
Definition
past tense
Creeped is the past tense of the verb 'creep.' It generally means to move slowly and carefully, often to avoid being noticed. It can also imply a sense of unease or discomfort. In some contexts, it can refer to experiencing a strange feeling or sensation. Additionally, 'creeped' can describe a situation where someone feels nervous or frightened due to someone's behavior.
Synonyms
inched, moved stealthily, slid, sneaked.
Examples of usage
- He creeped down the hallway.
- She felt creeped out by the strange noises.
- The suspenseful movie creeped me out.
- The cat creeped up on its prey.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural References
- The term has been popularized in horror films where characters often feel 'creeped out' by things that go bump in the night.
- In internet culture, 'creepypasta' refers to horror-related legends or images shared online, specifically designed to frighten.
- Songs like 'Creep' by Radiohead encapsulate feelings of isolation and discomfort, resonating with listeners globally.
Psychology
- The feeling of being 'creeped out' often triggers the fight-or-flight response, a natural reaction to perceived danger.
- Psychologically, it can relate to social discomfort, where someone feels unwelcome or threatened in social settings.
- Creepy encounters can elicit strong emotional responses, including fear, anxiety, or even humor in lighter contexts.
Literature
- Many Gothic novels exploit the feeling of being 'creeped out' to evoke horror, suspense, and dread.
- Classic short stories often rely on unsettling atmospheres that make readers feel 'creeped out', leading to a gripping experience.
- Authors frequently use descriptive language to evoke feelings of creepiness, heightening emotional responses readers have to characters or settings.
Social Behavior
- In social settings, certain behaviors, like invading personal space, can lead people to feel 'creeped out'.
- Online interactions often see people feeling 'creeped out' by unsolicited messages or inappropriate comments.
- Being 'creepy' often relates to violating social norms, making others feel uncomfortable in shared spaces or conversations.
Origin of 'creeped'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'creep' comes from Old English 'creopan,' meaning to crawl or move slowly.
- The use of 'creeped' to describe feeling uneasy emerged in the 19th century.
- In modern usage, 'creeped out' often describes feeling discomfort due to a person's actions or presence.
The word 'creep' originates from the Old English word 'cripan,' which means to crawl or move slowly. Its use can be traced back to the medieval period when it was used to describe the slow, deliberate movement of animals or humans. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass a wider range of slow movements, including stealthy or sneaky actions. The evolution of 'creep' continued into the modern English language, where it has taken on additional connotations, particularly in informal speech, to refer to feelings of discomfort or fear, often triggered by unsettling situations or individuals. The past participle form 'creeped' became standard in English due to the regularization of verbs in English grammar. Today, 'creeped' can convey both a physical action and a psychological state, reflecting the nuanced evolution of the word through various contexts.