creepy

word

/ˈkɹipi/
KREE-pee
/kɹˈiːpi/
KREE-pee

Definition

If something or someone is creepy, it makes you feel uncomfortable, nervous, or slightly scared. It is often used for strange behavior, scary places, or anything that gives a bad feeling.

Usage & Nuances

Common in informal English. It can describe horror-movie things ('a creepy house') but also people whose behavior feels inappropriate or unsettling ('a creepy guy'). For people, it often suggests they make others feel unsafe, not just scared.

Example Sentences

That old house looks creepy at night.

basic

I don't like that man's creepy smile.

basic

The movie was too creepy for my little sister.

basic

He kept standing too close to me, and it felt really creepy.

natural

That message was kind of creepy, so I didn't reply.

natural

There was something creepy about the empty school after dark.

natural