creeps

[kreeps]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. Veterinary Pathology.,  a disease of the bones in sheep and cattle that causes pain in walking, resulting from a deficiency of phosphorus in the diet.

creeps

/ kriːps /

plural noun

1. informal,  a feeling of fear, repulsion, disgust, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of creeps¹

So called from the effect on the animal's gait; creep, -s ³

Example Sentences

Four years later, it still creeps into my mind every March and April when I’m planning meals.

From Salon

Describing drought as a "silent killer" which "creeps in, drains resources, and devastates lives in slow motion" the report said it had exacerbated issues like poverty and ecosystem collapse.

From BBC

If an out-of-control clown gives you the creeps, check out the crowd in cartoon masks meant to disguise evil.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m looking at this from a prosecutor’s standpoint — this bill strengthens California law and gives us the felony hammer to prosecute the creeps that are preying on teenagers,” she said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

After three or four days of self-deprivation, weakness creeps into fraying muscles; a few days after that come intensifying waves of headaches, abdominal cramps and dizziness.

From Salon

Related Words

• angst 
• apprehension 
• concern 
• disquiet 
• doubt 
• dread 
• jitters www.thesaurus.com
• misery 
• misgiving 
• mistrust 
• nervousness 
• panic 
• restlessness 
• suffering 
• suspense 
• trouble 
• uncertainty 
• unease 
• uneasiness www.thesaurus.com