encroaching
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɪnˈkɹoʊtʃɪŋ// UK //ɛnkɹˈəʊtʃɪŋ// en·croach·ing
v. moving forward into an area that belongs to someone else. It can also describe something that is slowly taking over your time or space.
v. advancing into a territory or area that is not one's own; gradually spreading into a space or period of time. Often used to describe physical boundaries or abstract concepts like darkness or noise.
The encroaching darkness made it hard to see the path.
The city's expansion led to encroaching development that threatened the local wetlands and their wildlife.
As the sun began to set, the encroaching shadows across the valley made the distant mountain peaks appear much closer and more imposing than they had at noon.