n.
Pronunciation: ' kr ē p
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form: crept \ ' krept \ ; creep · ing
Etymology: Middle English crepen, from Old English cr ē opan; akin to Old Norse krj ū pa to creep
Date: before 12th century
1 a : to move along with the body prone and close to the ground b : to move slowly on hands and knees
2 a : to go very slowly <the hours crept by> b : to go timidly or cautiously so as to escape notice <she crept away from the festive scene> c : to enter or advance gradually so as to be almost unnoticed <age creep s up on us> <a note of irritation crept into her voice>
3 : to have the sensation of being covered with creeping things <the thought made his flesh creep >
4 of a plant : to spread or grow over a surface rooting at intervals or clinging with tendrils, stems, or aerial roots
5 a : to slip or gradually shift position b : to change shape permanently from prolonged stress or exposure to high temperatures