approaching
UK: əˈprəʊtʃɪŋ | US: əˈproʊtʃɪŋ
adj. coming nearer in distance or time
v. (present participle of "approach") moving closer to something
The word "approaching" derives from the verb "approach," which entered Middle English from Old French aprochier (modern approcher), meaning "to come nearer." The Old French term itself stems from Latin appropiare, combining ad- (toward) and prope (near). The suffix -ing marks the present participle form, indicating ongoing action. The morpheme proach retains its core sense of proximity, while ap- (from ad-) reinforces directional movement. Over time, the word evolved from literal physical proximity to abstract notions (e.g., "approaching a deadline").
The storm is approaching quickly, so we should seek shelter.
She noticed a stranger approaching her car.
The deadline is approaching, and we still have much work to do.
The sound of footsteps approaching made him nervous.
Winter is approaching, and the days are getting shorter.