Creepy: meaning, definitions and examples
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creepy
[ ˈkriːpi ]
feeling
causing an unpleasant feeling of fear or unease; strange or eerie
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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creepy |
Used when something causes an uncomfortable feeling of fear or unease. Often associated with things that seem strange or unnatural.
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scary |
Used to describe something that causes fear or alarm. Can be used in a wide range of situations, from mild discomfort to intense fear.
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spooky |
Used when something is mysteriously scary or strange, often related to ghosts or supernatural events. Generally used in a lighter context, sometimes even humorously.
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eerie |
Used to describe something that is strange and frightening, often because it is very quiet or odd. Typically used in a more subtle, mysterious sense.
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Examples of usage
- The abandoned house had a creepy atmosphere.
- She felt a creepy sensation down her spine.
appearance
having a frightening or unnerving appearance
Synonyms
disturbing, haunting, unsettling.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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creepy |
When describing something that makes you feel nervous or scared in an uncomfortable way, often due to its strange or eerie nature.
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disturbing |
Used when something causes feelings of anxiety, worry, or unpleasant emotions due to its shocking or frightening nature.
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unsettling |
Useful when something causes feelings of discomfort or worry because it disrupts your sense of normalcy or peace.
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haunting |
Best for describing something that has a lingering, memorable impression, often in a sad or eerie way.
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Examples of usage
- The creepy clown gave the children nightmares.
- The old doll had a creepy smile.
Translations
Translations of the word "creepy" in other languages:
🇵🇹 assustador
🇮🇳 डरावना
🇩🇪 gruselig
🇮🇩 menyeramkan
🇺🇦 моторошний
🇵🇱 przerażający
🇯🇵 不気味な (bukimi na)
🇫🇷 effrayant
🇪🇸 espeluznante
🇹🇷 ürkütücü
🇰🇷 소름 끼치는 (soreum kkichineun)
🇸🇦 مخيف
🇨🇿 děsivý
🇸🇰 strašidelný
🇨🇳 令人毛骨悚然的 (lìng rén máogǔ sǒngrán de)
🇸🇮 grozljiv
🇮🇸 óhugnanlegur
🇰🇿 қорқынышты
🇬🇪 შემაძრწუნებელი
🇦🇿 dəhşətli
🇲🇽 espeluznante
Etymology
The word 'creepy' originated in the 17th century, derived from the Old English word 'creopan' meaning 'to creep'. Over time, it evolved to describe something that elicits a feeling of fear or unease. The use of 'creepy' to describe eerie or unsettling things became more common in the 19th century, and it continues to be a popular term in modern English.