English Reference
noun · verb

creeps

n. · v.
US /ˈkɹips/ UK /kɹˈiːps/ creeps

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.a feeling of fear, horror, or disgust, often making you feel like something is crawling on your skin.

    n.a sensation of revulsion, unease, or fear, typically used with 'the' and the verbs 'give' or 'get'.

    Simple

    That old, empty house at the end of the street really gives me the creeps.

    In context

    The way he stared at the passengers without blinking gave everyone on the bus the creeps, prompting several people to move to the front.

    Usage

    Always used as a plural noun with 'the'; typically follows the verb 'give' (something gives you the creeps) or 'get' (you get the creeps).

    shiverswilliesheebie jeebies
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.moves slowly and quietly, usually to avoid being seen or heard.

    v.the third-person singular present form of 'creep', meaning to move stealthily or slowly close to the ground.

    Simple

    The cat creeps through the tall grass when it sees a bird.

    In context

    As the fog creeps across the valley floor, the visibility for drivers on the mountain pass drops to near zero.

    Usage

    Third-person singular form of the verb 'creep'.

    sneakstiptoesslithers
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated