creeping

[ kree-ping ]

noun

1. Slang. the act or practice of following someone persistently or stealthily, especially online:

   Twitter and LinkedIn creeping is a normal part of my day.

adjective

1. advancing or developing gradually so as to infringe on or supplant something else:

   creeping inflation;

   creeping socialism.

Word History and Origins

Origin of creeping¹

creep + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The impact for homeowners is that fixed mortgage rates have actually been creeping up, despite the latest interest rate cut.

From BBC

Maybe this is it — the beginning of the end we’ve all sensed creeping closer, even if we tried to shove it into the shadows.

From Salon

This comes at a time when Russian forces are creeping forward all along the eastern front and Ukraine feels it has been on the back foot for several months.

From BBC

Television footage showed a bomb-defusing robot creeping up to the bag and poking it until it popped with a bright flash.

From Los Angeles Times

And there it was, the creeping inevitability that became a torrent.

From Salon

Related Words

• climbing
• spreading