verb
broach
brohch
verb
1
To bring up a sensitive or difficult topic for discussion.
"She wasn't sure how to broach the subject of his job loss."
"He finally broached the idea of moving abroad."
2
To pierce or tap something, especially a cask, in order to draw out liquid.
"The innkeeper broached a fresh barrel of ale."
How to Use Broach
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo start talking about a difficult topic, or (older sense) to pierce something like a barrel to get at what's inside.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "brooch," a piece of jewelry — they sound alike but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
broach a subject
broach the topic
Word Forms
broached past tense, broached past tense, Broaches plural, broaches singular, broaches singular
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She wasn't sure how to _____ the subject of his job loss.
Etymology
From Old French broche, meaning a spit or pointed tool — the same root gives us "brochure."