Past tense of broach; brought up a topic for discussion, or pierced through something with a sharp tool.
From Old French brochier, from broche (spit or pointed tool), from Latin broccus meaning 'projecting.' Originally referred to piercing, the metaphor extended to 'bringing up' a subject as if opening it.
The same word means both 'to pierce with a tool' and 'to bring up a difficult conversation'—that's because starting a hard discussion feels like breaking through a barrier, and language reflects this emotional reality.
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