willies

give someone the creeps/willies (informal)

to make you feel frightened and anxious, especially when there is no real reason for this. This old house gives me the creeps. I've never liked spiders - they give me the willies.

See also: creep, give

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give you the willies

to make you feel frightened or nervous. Driving at night on country roads gives me the willies.

Usage notes: also used in the form get the willies to become frightened or nervous: I get the willies whenever I think of having to take exams.

See also: give