VocabDictionary

creepy

/หˆkriห.pi/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Causing an unpleasant feeling of fear, unease, or dread; weird or unsettling in a subtle or slightly repulsive way.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe abandoned house at the end of the street had a very creepy atmosphere.โ€
  • โ€œHe gave me a creepy smile that made me want to leave immediately.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œcreepyโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'creep' (from Old English 'crฤ“opan', meaning to crawl or sneak) combined with the suffix '-y', originally describing the physical sensation of the skin crawling or insects moving over one's body, which later evolved by the late 19th century to describe people, places, or situations that evoke a general sense of dread, unease, or fear.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of something that makes your skin CR-E-E-P as if bugs are crawling on you.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œcreepyโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œcreepyโ€ in English?

In English, creepy (adjective) is defined as: โ€œCausing an unpleasant feeling of fear, unease, or dread; weird or unsettling in a subtle or slightly repulsive way.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œcreepyโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œThe abandoned house at the end of the street had a very creepy atmosphere.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œcreepyโ€?

Common synonyms include:unsettling,eerie,uncanny,spooky,freaky

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œcreepyโ€?

Derived from the verb 'creep' (from Old English 'crฤ“opan', meaning to crawl or sneak) combined with the suffix '-y', originally describing the physical sensation of the skin crawling or insects moving over one's body, which later evolved by the late 19th century to describe people, places, or situations that evoke a general sense of dread, unease, or fear.