Creepy-crawler

A 'creepy-crawler' is a broad term generally used to describe small, often many-legged or segmented invertebrates, primarily insects and arachnids, that are perceived as unsettling, repulsive, or causing a feeling of unease due to their appearance, movement, or association with darkness, decay, or hidden spaces. This perception is often culturally driven and can be influenced by individual experiences and phobias. The term evokes a sense of the uncanny, a feeling of familiarity mixed with the unfamiliar, triggering a primal response related to potential threats and a violation of the human space. These creatures often share characteristics such as rapid, jerky movements, exoskeletons, and multiple appendages, adding to their unsettling nature. The term can be used literally, referring to actual insects and arachnids or figuratively, applied to anything that exhibits unsettling traits or behaviors.

Creepy-crawler meaning with examples

• The children shrieked as a hairy, multi-legged creepy-crawler scurried across the kitchen floor, seeking refuge under the refrigerator. Sarah, petrified, demanded her father remove the revolting insect. The tiny invader became the focus of the evening, reminding everyone of the unknown denizens cohabiting our living space, making our home seem less secure.
• The abandoned warehouse, filled with shadows and the sounds of rustling, was notorious for its infestation of *creepy-crawlers*. Daredevils and urban explorers frequently used their lights to catch fleeting glimpses of the small crawlers. No one wished to explore further than a casual observation as the location amplified the darkness, casting long and unsettling shadows.
• During the night, the low branches of the ancient tree would brush against the house windows, creating a scratching sound that sounded like a horde of *creepy-crawlers* were attempting to gain entry. The sounds of the rustling leaves and nocturnal animals left us terrified. No one would venture outside without a flashlight, and the noise was enough to send the most stout-hearted indoors.
• The old attic was a haven for all sorts of *creepy-crawlers*, the damp air providing an ideal environment for breeding. Cobwebs hung from every rafter. When exploring, the intrepid siblings stumbled upon a small box of toys from generations past. The old, abandoned space held a combination of fascination and terror, reminding everyone of the long-term nature of darkness and the unknown.
• The detective described the suspect, a known stalker, as a human creepy-crawler. His behavior, characterized by secret surveillance and an unnerving obsession, mirrored the traits of the small, unsettling insects. The man had long been a source of worry and unease for the entire neighborhood, leaving everyone feeling vulnerable.
• The abandoned tunnels of the subway system, are known to house many types of creepy crawlers. While inspecting the train tracks with his team, the engineer noticed the tunnels being occupied by many insects and arachnids. The dark, damp, and enclosed environment provided ideal conditions for these creatures, which were difficult to eradicate. This led to great caution while exploring.