creepy
gb/kɹˈipi/ us/kɹˈipi/
B1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
strange and scary
making you feel scared in a strange way
Usage pattern:
[a creepy place/sound/story]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use creepy for any kind of fear; creepy is more about an odd, uneasy fear than obvious danger.
Synonyms
eerie (More about an uncanny, quiet atmosphere.)
|
spooky (Often lighter or more playful than creepy.)
Antonyms
reassuring (Makes you feel safe rather than uneasy.)
|
comforting (Creates a warm, safe feeling.)
Collocations
creepy old house
|creepy basement
|creepy forest
|creepy music
|creepy voice
|creepy doll
|creepy story
|creepy atmosphere
|creepy silence
|creepy shadows
Themes
emotions
|describing_things
|fear
Examples
- The hallway was dark and creepy, and every sound felt louder.
- That old recording has a creepy, distorted voice on it.
- We watched a creepy movie and then couldn’t sleep.
Learner examples
- This house is creepy at night.
- I heard a creepy noise.
adjective
informal
B2
property
2
makes you feel uneasy
making you feel uncomfortable or worried
Usage pattern:
[a creepy feeling/vibe/situation]
Common mistake:
Creepy is stronger than weird; it suggests discomfort or suspicion, not just something unusual.
Synonyms
unsettling (More neutral and less casual than creepy.)
|
disturbing (Often stronger and can suggest shock or upset.)
|
sketchy (Informal; emphasizes suspicion or possible danger.)
Antonyms
pleasant (Gives a positive, comfortable feeling.)
|
normal (Does not feel suspicious or strange.)
Collocations
creepy feeling
|creepy vibe
|creepy message
|creepy comment
|creepy behavior
|creepy question
|creepy look
|kind of creepy
|a bit creepy
|really creepy
Themes
emotions
|social
|safety
Examples
- It was creepy how he knew my name without me telling him.
- I got a creepy feeling that we were being watched.
- The email sounded friendly, but something about it was creepy.
Learner examples
- This situation feels creepy.
- That message was creepy.
adjective
informal
B2
property
3
socially inappropriate and threatening
someone who acts in a way that makes others feel uncomfortable or unsafe
Usage pattern:
[a creepy guy/man/person]
Common mistake:
Avoid using creepy casually about someone from another culture or with unusual habits; it can be insulting and implies a threat or violation of boundaries.
Synonyms
sleazy (Focuses on sexual or dishonest unpleasantness.)
|
pervy (Slang; specifically about sexual behavior.)
Antonyms
respectful (Shows appropriate boundaries and consideration.)
|
appropriate (Acceptable and not intrusive or threatening.)
Collocations
creepy guy
|creepy man
|creepy stranger
|creepy neighbor
|creepy boss
|creepy ex
|creepy comments
|creepy flirting
|creepy stare
|being creepy
Themes
social
|relationships
|safety
Examples
- He kept staring at her on the train, and it felt creepy.
- Stop being creepy—she already said no.
- She reported a creepy coworker who kept sending late-night messages.
Learner examples
- That man is creepy.
- Please don’t be creepy.
adjective
C1
property
4
unpleasantly cold and shivery
very cold in an unpleasant way
Usage pattern:
[creepy cold]
Common mistake:
This use is less common than the ‘scary/uncomfortable’ meaning; learners often mean chilly or cold.
Synonyms
chilly (More common and neutral.)
|
clammy (Cold and slightly wet or sweaty.)
Antonyms
warm (Comfortably hot or pleasantly heated.)
Collocations
creepy cold
|a creepy chill
|creepy damp
|creepy wind
Themes
weather
|body
|sensations
Examples
- There was a creepy cold in the room that made my skin prickle.
- A creepy chill ran down my arms as the wind picked up.
Learner examples
- It feels creepy cold in here.
Grammar
Dictionary form
creepy
IPA
GB/kɹˈipi/
US/kɹˈipi/
Syllables & stress
creepy (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (creepy)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: creepy
- Comparative: creepier
- Superlative: creepiest
Word family
Forms
creepier
adjective
creepiest
adjective
Core family
creep
verb B2
Related words
creepiness
noun
creepily
adverb
Advanced or less common
creeper
noun
Expressions
creepy crawlies
1/kɹˈipi kɹˈɔliz/
fixed phrase
informal
unpleasant crawling insects
insects that you dislike or fear
Examples
- Just looking at that picture gives me the creepy crawlies.
- The cabin was full of creepy crawlies, so we left the windows closed.
- He gets the creepy crawlies whenever he sees a spider.
creepy-crawly
1/kɹˈipi kɹˈɔli/
fixed phrase
informal
an insect or small creature
a small crawling insect that you dislike
Examples
- I hate touching creepy-crawlies like worms and beetles.
- The kids looked for creepy-crawly things under the rocks.
give someone the creeps
1/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn ðə kɹˈips/
idiom
informal
make someone feel very uncomfortable
To make someone feel very uncomfortable, scared, or disgusted in a strong way.
Examples
- That abandoned hotel gives me the creeps.
- The way he smiles gives her the creeps.
- Old hospitals always give some people the creeps.
give someone the creeps
1/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn ðə kɹˈips/
idiom
informal
make someone feel uneasy
to make someone feel scared or uncomfortable
Examples
- That abandoned playground at night gives me the creeps.
- He gives me the creeps, so I avoid being alone with him.
- The way the door kept opening by itself gave everyone the creeps.