broach

/broʊtʃ/

/brəʊtʃ/

Other forms: broached; broaching; broaches

Broach means to bring up or introduce a sensitive issue. If your best friend has severe phobia of spiders, you might want to delicately broach the topic of your new pet tarantula, Mr. Fuzzy.

Let's say you want to go on vacation with a friend and you ask your dad because he is more likely to say yes. He will probably tell you that he will broach the subject with your mom and let you know. In a less common (and older) usage of broach, if you put a hole in something in order to get out what's inside you broach it. The piercing tool you use is also called a broach. Think of piercing someone with your idea the next time you broach a touchy issue.

Definitions of broach

1. verb

   bring up a topic for discussion
   synonyms: initiate, moot

   types:

   address, cover, deal, handle, plow, treat

   act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

   theologise, theologize

   treat from a theological viewpoint or render theological in character

   discourse, discuss, talk about

   consider or examine in speech or writing

   type of:

   discuss, hash out, talk over

   speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail; have a discussion
2. noun

   a decorative pin worn by women
   synonyms: breastpin, brooch

   types:

   sunburst

   a jeweled brooch with a pattern resembling the sun

   type of:

   pin

   a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment