creep
Translation
to move stealthily, to crawl, an unpleasant person (noun)
Examples
The cat crept silently towards the bird.
The cat crept silently towards the bird.
A feeling of dread crept over him.
A feeling of dread crept over him.
Stay away from that guy, he's a creep.
Stay away from that guy, he's a creep.
Grammar Patterns
((adv.)) to move quietly and slowly ((adverb)) The cat crept silently.
((over sb.)) to spread over (sb.) gradually A feeling of dread crept over him.
a creep an unpleasant or strange person (noun usage) He's a real creep.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Old English 'creopan' (to crawl). The noun sense for an unpleasant person is from the 20th century, implying someone who makes your skin crawl.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'creepy-crawly' (like a spider) 'creeping' up your arm. This image works for both the verb and the noun sense (a person who makes you feel that way).