Definition of 'broach'

Word Frequency

broach

(broʊtʃ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense broaches , present participle broaching , past tense, past participle broached

verb

When you broach a subject, especially a sensitive one, you mention it in order to start a discussion on it.

Eventually I broached the subject of her early life. [VERB noun]

Synonyms: bring up, approach, introduce, mention More Synonyms of broach

More Synonyms of broach

broach in British English 1

(brəʊtʃ )

verb

1. (transitive)

to initiate (a topic) for discussion

to broach a dangerous subject

2. (transitive)

to tap or pierce (a container) to draw off (a liquid)

to broach a cask

to broach wine

3. (transitive)

to open in order to begin to use

to broach a shipment

4. (intransitive)

to break the surface of the water

the trout broached after being hooked

5. (transitive) machinery

to enlarge and finish (a hole) by reaming

noun

a long tapered toothed cutting tool for enlarging holes

a spit for roasting meat, etc

a roof covering the corner triangle on the top of a square tower having an octagonal spire

a pin, forming part of some types of lock, that registers in the hollow bore of a key

10.

a tool used for tapping casks

11. a less common spelling of brooch

Derived forms

broacher (ˈbroacher)

noun

Word origin

C14: from Old French broche, from Vulgar Latin brocca (unattested), from Latin brochus projecting

Word Frequency

broach in British English 2

(brəʊtʃ )

verb

nautical (usually foll by to)

to cause (a sailing vessel) to swerve sharply and dangerously or (of a sailing vessel) to swerve sharply and dangerously in a following sea, so as to be broadside to the waves

Word origin

C18: perhaps from broach1 in obsolete sense of turn on a spit

Word Frequency

broach in American English

(broʊtʃ )

noun

a sharp-pointed rod used to hold roasting meat; spit

a tapered bit on a metal-cutting machine tool that is pulled or pushed through a hole to enlarge or shape the hole

a device for tapping casks

a hole made by a broach

brooch

verb transitive

to make a hole in so as to let out liquid; tap (a cask)

to enlarge or shape (a hole) with a broach

to start a discussion of; bring up; introduce

to broach a subject

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈutter

Idioms:

broach to

Derived forms

broacher (ˈbroacher)

noun

Word origin

ME broche, a pin, peg, spit < OFr broche, broc < ML brocca, a spike, point < L broccus, with projecting teeth; of Celt orig.

Examples of 'broach' in a sentence
broach

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…

You could then broach the idea of opening a savings account for your niece.Is there a tactful way to broach the subject?How could we broach such a subject so early in their grief?But there can be a certain reluctance to broach the subject.How can we expect teachers to broach a subject that is more than likely very close to their hearts?It's best to set aside a special time to broach any difficult topics.Since you say she is already quite insecure, you need to broach this issue sensitively.You probably won't have to broach the subject because they will come to you.After years of marriage you're comfortable enough with each other to broach the subject.This is guaranteed to become one of the go-to books when nervy parents need to broach this subject.

Word lists with
broach

architectural features, tool

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Question: 1

Score: 0 / 5

Which tool am I?

a tool for enlarging a drill hole

broach drill press fraise

Which tool am I?

a hammer, used to avoid damaging a surface, having a head consisting of a metal tube from each end of which a tight roll of hide protrudes

Allen key rawhide hammer tilt hammer

Which tool am I?

a tool consisting of a number of fine abrasive slips held in a machine head, rotated and reciprocated to impart a smooth finish to cylinder bores, etc

Allen key hammer hone

Which tool am I?

any of a number of hand tools, such as a brace and bit or a gimlet, used for boring holes

chisel trowel wimble

Which tool am I?

a masonry chisel for rough work

drill press half-round chisel pitching tool

Your score: