[cre ep] vi crept ; creep.ing [ME crepen, fr. OE creopan; akin to ON krjupa to creep] (bef. 12c) 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 ~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 ~"
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