# encroaching

/ɪnˈkɹoʊtʃɪŋ/ (US) · /ɛnkɹˈəʊtʃɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/encroaching
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

moving forward into an area that belongs to someone else. It can also describe something that is slowly taking over your time or space.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.