broach

C1 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /broʊtʃ/ UK /brəʊtʃ/ See IPA manual

Freq #32929

Meanings

1

verb
to introduce a difficult or sensitive subject for discussion

She waited until after dinner to broach the question of moving abroad.
2

verb
to pierce or open a cask in order to draw out its contents

The cellarman broached a fresh barrel for the celebration.
3

noun
a toothed cutting tool or broad chisel used to shape or enlarge a hole

The machinist used a broach to finish the keyway accurately.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to introduce a difficult or... raise introduce mention

2 verb · to pierce or open a cask in... tap open pierce

3 noun · a toothed cutting tool or... cutting toolchisel

Opposites

avoid suppress

Word family

Forms broachedbroaching

Derived forms abroachbroachablebroacherturnbroach

Related forms brooch brochure

Etymology

From Middle English broche and Old French broche, 'spit, pin, or pointed tool,' from Vulgar Latin *brocca, 'pointed object.' The verb first meant to pierce or tap a cask; bringing up a subject developed figuratively from opening something for use or discussion.

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

# broach

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C1
**Part of speech:** verb, noun
**IPA (US):** /broʊtʃ/
**IPA (UK):** /brəʊtʃ/
**Frequency rank:** 32929

## Meanings
1. to introduce a difficult or sensitive subject for discussion
2. to pierce or open a cask in order to draw out its contents
3. a toothed cutting tool or broad chisel used to shape or enlarge a hole

## Examples
- She waited until after dinner to broach the question of moving abroad.
- The cellarman broached a fresh barrel for the celebration.
- The machinist used a broach to finish the keyway accurately.

## Synonyms
- raise
- introduce
- mention
- tap
- pierce

## Antonyms
- avoid
- suppress

## Derived Forms
- abroach
- broachable
- broacher
- turnbroach

## Related Forms
- brooch
- brochure

## Etymology
From Middle English broche and Old French broche, 'spit, pin, or pointed tool,' from Vulgar Latin *brocca, 'pointed object.' The verb first meant to pierce or tap a cask; bringing up a subject developed figuratively from opening something for use or discussion.

## Topics
- Actions & Processes

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