creeping

American  

[kree-ping] / ˈkri pɪŋ /

noun

1. Slang. the act or practice of following someone persistently or stealthily, especially online.

   Twitter and LinkedIn creeping is a normal part of my day.

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adjective

1. advancing or developing gradually so as to infringe on or supplant something else.

   creeping inflation;

   creeping socialism.

Etymology

Origin of creeping

creep + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“I really thought Jonah was capable of speaking for himself,” Mom said, suspicion creeping into her voice.

From Literature

European markets have held up slightly better than their U.S. counterparts in recent weeks but the nerves still seem to be creeping in.

From Barron's

Yet, officials predict costs will keep creeping up.

From Barron's

The jobs market, however, is showing signs of strain, with unemployment creeping higher throughout 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal

I nod, eager to find a reasonable explanation for the dread creeping into my brain.

From Literature

Related Words

• climbing
• spreading