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

These events are fascinatingly creepy, in that grown men go on "dates" with their underage daughters.

From Salon

Video of Spot strutting around the property has gone viral on TikTok - where reactions range from calling them cool and cute, to creepy - and become fodder for jokes on American late night television.

From BBC

“I will be your protector,” he says, one of the creepiest gaslighting lines that women in abusive relationships often hear.

From Salon

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

Related Words

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