v. (past and past part. crept) 1 move with the body prone and close to the ground. 2 move stealthily or timidly. 3 advance very gradually (a feeling crept over her). 4 colloq. act obsequiously in the hope of advancement. 5 (of a plant) grow along the ground or up a wall etc. 6 (as creeping adj.) developing slowly and steadily. 7 (of flesh) shiver or shudder from fear, horror, etc.a. 1 act or spell of creeping. 2 (in pL; prec. by the) colloq. feeling of revulsion or fear. 3 slang unpleasant person. 4 (of metals etc.) gradual change of shape under stress. [Old English]
