Meaning of Word
Creepy describes something or someone that causes an unpleasant feeling of fear, unease, or discomfort, often due to being strange, unsettling, or overly intrusive.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Causing a sensation of fear or unease, often associated with something eerie or unnatural.
- Disturbing or unnerving in a way that provokes discomfort or apprehension.
- Describing a person who behaves in a way that feels intrusive, inappropriate, or unsettling.
- Resembling or suggestive of crawling, as in a “creeping” sensation on the skin.
- Related to something spooky, mysterious, or haunting.
History and Origin
The word “creepy” originates from the verb “creep”, which means to move slowly and stealthily, often evoking a sense of fear or unease. Its usage dates back to the late 19th century, initially describing a sensation of skin crawling or an eerie atmosphere. Over time, it expanded to describe unsettling people, situations, or experiences. The term is now widely used in both literal and figurative contexts.
Detailed Explanation
Creepy is an adjective used to describe things, people, or experiences that evoke discomfort, fear, or unease. This could be due to their mysterious, strange, or inappropriate nature. For example, a dark, abandoned house might feel creepy because of its eerie silence and mysterious atmosphere. Similarly, a person may be described as creepy if their behavior is overly intrusive, strange, or makes others feel uncomfortable.
The term also conveys a physical sensation, such as a tingling feeling on the skin, often associated with fear or disgust. It is commonly used in casual conversation, storytelling, and media to describe spooky or unsettling situations.
Example Sentences
- The old house at the end of the street looks creepy at night.
- She got a creepy feeling when the stranger kept staring at her.
- The movie was filled with creepy scenes that gave everyone chills.
- The way he whispered in the dark was so creepy that it made my skin crawl.
- There’s something creepy about that doll; it seems to watch you.
- Walking through the forest alone at night felt incredibly creepy.
- He was acting creepy, following me everywhere without saying a word.
- The basement had a creepy vibe, with cobwebs and flickering lights.
- That story about the haunted hotel was so creepy I couldn’t sleep.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Eerie – Mysterious and unsettling, often in a ghostly way.
- Spooky – Slightly scary or unnerving, typically in a playful context.
- Unsettling – Making someone feel uncomfortable or disturbed.
- Weird – Strange or unusual in a way that provokes discomfort.
- Disturbing – Causing discomfort or emotional unease.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Haunting – Sticking in the mind due to its eerie or unsettling nature.
- Terrifying – Extremely frightening or alarming.
- Chilling – Causing fear or a cold sensation of dread.
- Intrusive – Unwelcome or overly personal, leading to discomfort.
- Ghostly – Resembling or relating to ghosts, often unsettling.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Crawly – Suggesting a sensation like bugs creeping on the skin.
- Horrifying – Extremely scary or shocking.
- Nightmarish – Resembling a bad dream, deeply disturbing.
- Macabre – Gruesome and related to death or decay.
- Sinister – Giving the impression of something harmful or evil.
Antonyms
- Comforting – Providing a sense of safety or reassurance.
- Reassuring – Alleviating fear or unease.
- Pleasant – Giving a sense of enjoyment or satisfaction.
- Welcoming – Making one feel invited and at ease.
- Soothing – Having a calming or peaceful effect.
