if a word or meaning creeps in, it gradually becomes used
to gradually start to affect or change something
A new meaning of ‘sexy’ crept into the language a few years ago.
It seems that very few errors crept into the text.
Politicians have warned of voter cynicism creeping in, unless there’s an immediate inquiry.
The French worry about the number of English words continuing to creep in.
creeps in
creeping in
crept in
There is no origin for this phrasal verb
Was this page helpful?