verb
broach
BROHCH/brəʊtʃ/
To open or pierce something for access.
The cooper uses a pointed tool to broach the cask.
Etymology
Old French brochier meant “to spur,” and the English verb first meant “to pierce.” Introducing a subject is figurative, suggesting either opening a cask by piercing it or spurring something into action.
In context
After planning to discuss a certain matter with a friend had the experience of having him broach the subject before you had a chance to speak of it
More examples
- The worker uses a sharp tool to broach the sealed cask.
- They broached the sealed barrel only after the guests arrived.
- The cooper broaches the barrel so its contents can be drawn off.
Forms
broach · broaches · broached · broaching
Similar words
- raise
- Can introduce a topic, broach often suggests opening a sensitive discussion.