creepy

[kree-pee]

adjective

creepier, creepiest 

1. having or causing a creeping sensation of the skin, as from horror or fear.

   a creepy ghost story.

2. that creeps: creep.

   a creepy insect.

3. Slang.,  of, relating to, or characteristic of a person who is a creep; creep; obnoxious; weird.

creepy

/ ˈkriːpɪ /

adjective

1. informal,  having or causing a sensation of repulsion, horror, or fear, as of creatures crawling on the skin

2. creeping; slow-moving

Other Word Forms

• creepily adverb
• creepiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of creepy¹

First recorded in 1825–35; creep + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Emmy award-winning actor Matthew Rhys says he was inspired by fellow Welshman Anthony Hopkins for his latest "creepy" role.

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And where’s that creepy old woman from the Cape Fear Pier?

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Shirley Jackson’s wizardry is to make the bizarre seem utterly natural, a talent on full display in this sublimely creepy novel.

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The pop band Muna chastised some of their supporters for "spreading falsehoods about us and our loved ones for clout and attention"; while Doja Cat called out "creepy" behaviour from a section of her fanbase.

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Dangerous radiation can’t be seen, felt, smelled, or heard, making it a particularly creepy hazard.

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Related Words

• awful 
• disgusting 
• disturbing 
• eerie 
• frightening www.thesaurus.com
• ghoulish 
• macabre 
• menacing 
• ominous 
• sinister 
• terrifying 
• weird