creep - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

to creep

Third Person

creeps

Present Participle

creeping

Past Tense

crept

Past Participle

crept

to move slowly and quietly while staying close to the ground or other surface

The spider, with delicate precision, began to creep across the ceiling.
In the garden, the inchworm started to creep along the stem of the flower.
The mountaineer carefully began to creep down the steep slope.
In the dark cave, the explorer had to creep through narrow passages.
The caterpillar, in its early stage of transformation, would creep along the leaf before transforming into a butterfly.

Synonyms:

to move slowly and quietly, especially in order to avoid being noticed or to approach someone unnoticed

The cat crept through the tall grass, stalking its prey.
As the detective observed the suspect's hideout, he saw a shadowy figure creep along the alley.
In the moonlit night, the spy crept along the perimeter of the enemy camp.
Fearing they would disturb the nesting birds, the birdwatchers decided to creep quietly through the forest to observe them.

Synonyms:

to grow slowly along the ground or another surface, typically by extending stems or branches

The ivy began to creep along the garden wall, creating a lush green covering.
The vines of the pumpkin plant started to creep across the garden.
The strawberry plants were carefully arranged to creep along the edges of the raised bed.
As the wildflowers thrived in the meadow, they started to creep along the edges.

to act or behave in a servile manner, often characterized by exaggerated humility

The employee would always creep to the boss, offering constant compliments and nodding excessively to gain favor.
The actor, eager to impress the director, would creep on set.
Wanting to be in the teacher's good graces, the student would creep by staying late after class.
Aware of the supervisor's preferences, the team member decided to creep by consistently endorsing their ideas.
The aspiring artist, desperate for recognition, would creep to influential gallery owners

Synonyms:

(of something) to slowly and steadily spread or move, often in a way that is hard to notice at first