What does the term "impending" mean?

The term "impending" refers to something that is about to happen or is imminent. It conveys a sense of anticipation or urgency regarding an event that is forthcoming. For instance, one might speak of "impending doom" to emphasize that a negative outcome is expected to occur soon. The definition aligns perfectly with the idea of an event that is on the verge of taking place, thus reinforcing the meaning of the word.

In contrast, the other options refer to different temporal states or conditions. Choices indicating a relation to the past or an already occurred event do not capture the essence of immediacy inherent in "impending." Similarly, a stable state suggests a lack of change or movement, again not aligning with the notion of something that is soon to happen. These distinctions clarify why "about to happen" is the correct interpretation of "impending."