Broaching

Broaching, in its core meaning, refers to the act of raising a sensitive or difficult subject for discussion. It often implies initiating a conversation about a topic that might be uncomfortable, controversial, or previously avoided. The word suggests a deliberate introduction of the subject, venturing into territory that might provoke disagreement or emotional reactions. Furthermore, 'broaching' can refer to a metaphorical piercing or breaching, like a ship broaching the waves, implying a forceful or penetrating entry. Context is crucial; the subject being 'broached' could be a delicate negotiation, a challenging problem, or even a taboo topic. The outcome of broaching a subject can be uncertain and require careful handling of subsequent conversation.

Broaching meaning with examples

• Sarah was anxious about broaching the topic of a pay raise with her boss. She knew it was necessary, given her increased responsibilities, but worried about the potential for rejection and a negative impact on her relationship with her supervisor. It would be a tense conversation, requiring her to present her case clearly and confidently, while carefully considering her boss's perspective.
• The team leader, sensing escalating tensions, decided to broach the subject of the conflict within the project group. He knew that ignoring it would only allow resentment to fester and damage project progress. He prepared to moderate the difficult conversation with the hope of facilitating an open dialogue and finding constructive solutions to repair their interpersonal issues.
• During the family gathering, Emily hesitated before broaching the subject of her uncle's health issues. It was a heavy topic, and she wasn't sure if the moment was appropriate. She weighed the importance of informing her family versus the risk of upsetting them, as she knew the news of her uncle's decline would be painful for everyone present.
• The investigative journalist was tasked with broaching the subject of corruption within the local government. This meant confronting powerful individuals, exposing potentially damaging information, and risking legal action, all in the service of informing the public about the misdeeds of corrupt politicians.
• A small ship broached the waves in the treacherous storm. The impact of the forceful ocean spray broke the fragile vessel apart. This sudden change in the ship’s relationship with the water represented a dangerous and precarious situation. The crew was fighting for their lives, their fate resting in the hands of luck.
• In the realm of art and literature, the artist broached a controversial topic of societal imbalance through her newest show. This broaching invited public debate. The artists' unique perspective on the subject brought about a thought-provoking debate within the community, as each person debated whether her viewpoint held true.
• During the debate, the politician decided to broach the delicate subject of the recent economic downturn. It was a bold move given the possible audience response; this brought a heated response. Many people felt the politician's stance was misplaced, as the subject required extensive study.
• The lawyer was considering how to broach the evidence, and the possible effects of the situation at hand. It was a calculated process with many moving pieces. The lawyer knew the outcome might be a long-term impact on her client's life, which was quite daunting.