To loom is to appear as a large, often threatening shape that is coming closer. When something looms, it feels big and unavoidable, like a shadow moving toward you.
People use “loom” in everyday talk when they feel an upcoming event or deadline is hanging over them. You might say, “The final exam is looming,” or “Dark clouds are looming overhead,” to show it’s getting close and feels a bit scary or stressful.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• “A deadline is looming next week.”
• “The mountain loomed in the distance.”
• “Bad news loomed after the phone call.”
Context / Common Use
You’ll often hear “loom” with time-sensitive or worrying things: exams, bills, storms, or big meetings. It adds a sense of pressure, like the thing is too big to ignore.
Is “loom” always negative?
Usually, yes. It suggests something heavy or worrying, though it can be neutral when describing size, like “skyscrapers looming over the street.”
Can I say “looming over me” about people?
Yes. If someone stands too close or pressures you, you can say, “He was looming over me,” to show discomfort or intimidation.
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