creepy

[ kree-pee ]

adjective

, creep·i·er, creep·i·est.

1. having or causing a creeping sensation of the skin, as from horror or fear:

   a creepy ghost story.

2. that creeps: creep:

   a creepy insect.

3. Slang. of, relating to, or characteristic of a person who is a creep; creep; obnoxious; weird.

creepy

/ ˈkriːpɪ /

adjective

1. informal.
   having or causing a sensation of repulsion, horror, or fear, as of creatures crawling on the skin
2. creeping; slow-moving

Derived Forms

• ˈcreepily, adverb
• ˈcreepiness, noun

Other Words From

• creepi·ly adverb
• creepi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of creepy¹

First recorded in 1825–35; creep + -y ¹

Example Sentences

For the record, I appreciated his performance and I mostly enjoyed watching “Heretic,” which, though predictable at times, sounds all the requisite creepy notes while still being more thoughtful and less bloody than much of the genre.

From Los Angeles Times

Even the museum’s description, which describes Rub Kandy’s creations have “huge eyes that see everything,” is mildly creepy.

From Los Angeles Times

Even when promising to "protect" women, Trump can't help but sound creepy or threatening.

From Salon

During their chat, Rogan describes the mass media as a creepy, corrupt business that “to a large extent, acts as a propaganda arm for the Democratic Party.”

From Salon

So the next time you’re choosing between an upbeat comedy and a creepy thriller for your movie night, pick the dark side – it’s good for your health.

From Salon

Related Words

• awful
• disgusting
• disturbing
• eerie
• frightening
• ghoulish
• macabre
• menacing
• ominous
• sinister
• terrifying
• weird