1. gradually advancing beyond usual or acceptable limits
Usage: often used to describe unwanted intrusion or expansion

Examples

• The encroaching darkness made it difficult to see the path.
• Residents complained about the encroaching commercial development in their neighborhood.
• The encroaching floodwaters forced families to evacuate their homes.
• She felt uncomfortable with his encroaching behavior at work.
• The encroaching weeds threatened to overtake the garden.
• Urban sprawl represents an encroaching threat to natural habitats.