■ verb ( past and past participle crept krɛpt )
1》 move slowly and carefully, especially in order to avoid being heard or noticed.
↘move or progress very slowly and steadily.
↘(of a plant) grow along the ground or other surface by extending stems or branches.
2》 (of a plastic solid) undergo gradual deformation under stress.
3》 ( ~ to ) informal behave obsequiously towards.
■ noun
1》 informal a contemptible person, especially one who behaves obsequiously in the hope of advancement.
2》 very slow, steady movement or progress.
↘gradual deformation of a plastic solid under stress.
3》 Brit. an opening in a hedge or wall for an animal to pass through.
↘a feeding enclosure for young animals, with a long, narrow entrance.
Phrases
give someone the ~s informal induce a feeling of revulsion or fear in someone.
make one's flesh ~ cause one to feel revulsion and have a sensation like that of something crawling over the skin.
Derivatives
~ing adjective
Origin
OE crēopan , of Gmc origin.