creep into
Enter without detection
To creep into something is to enter gradually and often unnoticed.
Doubt creeps into your mind.
Errors creep into a manuscript during revision.
The phrase suggests slow infiltration rather than sudden arrival—something that wasn't there before has quietly established itself: A chill crept into his voice.
- slitherGlide smoothly, sinuously
- embedFix within surrounding material
- take holdBecome firmly established
- intrudeEnter uninvited
- sneakMove with stealth
gnaw · eat away · fester · linger · set in · permeate · tiptoe · settle · sink in · haunt · cast a shadow · overshadow · pervade · erode · inch · worm · seep · undermine