creepy
UK: ˈkriːpi | US: ˈkriːpi
adj. causing an unpleasant feeling of fear or unease
adj. strange or unnatural in a way that provokes discomfort
adj. (informal) excessively sentimental or cloying
The word "creepy" derives from the verb "creep," which originated from Old English "crēopan," meaning "to move stealthily or crawl." The suffix "-y" was added in Middle English to form an adjective, originally implying "characterized by creeping." Over time, "creepy" evolved to describe things that evoke a sense of unease, as if something is creeping unseen—a metaphorical extension of its literal root. The modern sense of unsettling strangeness emerged by the 19th century, influenced by Gothic literature and horror tropes.
The abandoned house had a creepy atmosphere, with its broken windows and eerie silence.
She felt a creepy sensation, as if someone was watching her from the shadows.
His overly friendly behavior came across as creepy rather than charming.
The doll's lifelike eyes were strangely creepy.
Horror movies often use creepy music to build tension.