Creepiness

/ˈkriːpinəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being creepy; the feeling of being unsettled, disturbed, or frightened by something eerie.

Etymology

Noun formed from 'creepy' with the suffix '-ness' (from Old English, forming abstract nouns from adjectives). The term describes the emotional and psychological response to disturbing stimuli.

Kelly Says

Scientists have actually studied 'creepiness' as a psychological phenomenon—uncanny valley effects (things that are almost human but not quite) create the highest creepiness ratings because our brains detect something is 'wrong'!

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