broach
broach Lexical Profile
broach Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To raise or introduce a sensitive, difficult, or unpleasant topic for discussion.
"She waited until after dinner to broach the subject of relocating to another city."
To pierce or tap a cask, barrel, or container in order to draw out the liquid inside.
"The cellar master decided to broach a vintage cask of oak-aged cider for the autumn festival."
To veer or turn sharply crosswise to the wind and waves, risking capsizing (of a boat or ship).
"A sudden rogue wave caused the sailboat to broach in the heavy swell."
• noun
A toothed cutting tool used in machining to remove material and shape holes or surfaces, or a pointed metal spit used for roasting meat.
"The machinist used a specialized broach to cut the internal keyway inside the steel gear."
A variant spelling of brooch, an ornamental pin or clasp worn fastened to clothing.
"She fastened her wool cloak with an antique silver broach."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Broach" is typically used as a verb meaning to bring up a sensitive subject, whereas its homophone "brooch" is the standard spelling for the noun referring to an ornamental pin.
• Rhymes for broach
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English "broche", borrowed from Old French "broche" meaning a roasting spit or pointed tool, ultimately from Vulgar Latin "brocca" (spike or pointed instrument). The figurative sense of raising a topic comes from the literal act of piercing a cask to draw out liquor.