Breach vs. Broach — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 25, 2024
Breach refers to a break or violation, while broach introduces a topic for discussion or opens up a subject.
Difference Between Breach and Broach
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A breach is a violation or a break in a law, trust, or relationship, often leading to a disruption or conflict. For example, a breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill its obligations under the agreement. On the other hand, to broach means to bring up or introduce a topic for discussion, often one that is difficult or sensitive. This action involves initiating a conversation or opening up a subject that requires careful handling.
While a breach is associated with negative connotations, indicating a rift or division, broaching can be seen as a constructive action aimed at communication and understanding. Breaching a security system implies an unauthorized or forceful entry, showcasing a clear violation. Conversely, broaching a subject like mental health in the workplace demonstrates an intention to address and discuss important issues.
The concept of a breach emphasizes the breaking of boundaries or norms, often leading to consequences or the need for resolution. In contrast, broaching involves the delicate art of starting a dialogue, requiring tact and sensitivity to the subject matter. Breaching privacy laws can lead to legal repercussions and a loss of trust, highlighting the consequences of such violations.
Breaching often requires a response or corrective action to mend the violation or rift caused. Meanwhile, broaching serves as a proactive step towards engagement, understanding, or problem-solving, marking the beginning of a conversation rather than a consequence of an action. In essence, breaching creates a gap or division, whereas broaching aims to bridge gaps through communication.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A violation or break in something.
To introduce a subject for discussion.
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Connotation
Negative, indicating a rift or violation.
Neutral or positive, aimed at communication.
Context
Legal, security, trust relationships.
Conversational, often involving sensitive topics.
Associated Actions
Requires correction or resolution.
Involves initiating dialogue or discussion.
Outcome
Often leads to conflict or consequences.
Aims to foster understanding or address issues.
Compare with Definitions
Breach
The act of whales breaking the water's surface while swimming.
Observers were thrilled by the spectacular breach of the whale.
Broach
To initiate a discussion of something difficult or problematic.
Broaching the subject of retirement planning requires sensitivity.
Breach
In security, an instance of unauthorized access or data leakage.
The company suffered a data breach, compromising customer information.
Broach
Nautical: To cause (a ship) to veer and expose its side to the wind and waves.
High winds broached the boat, terrifying the sailors.
Breach
The act of breaking or failing to observe a law or agreement.
The breach of contract resulted in legal action.
Broach
To open or break into (a subject or issue).
The counselor broached the issue of trust gently.
Breach
An act of breaking or failing to comply with a norm or trust.
A breach of trust between friends can be difficult to mend.
Broach
Bring up a topic for discussion
Breach
A gap in a wall, barrier, or defense, especially one made by an attacking army.
The soldiers made a breach in the fortress wall.
Broach
To pierce (a cask) to draw liquor.
The old man broached a new barrel of wine for the guests.
Breach
An opening, tear, or rupture.
Broach
To bring up (a subject) for discussion or debate.
Breach
A gap or rift, especially in a solid structure such as a dike or fortification.
Broach
To announce
We broached our plans for the new year.
Breach
A violation or infraction, as of a contract, law, legal obligation, or promise.
Broach
To pierce in order to draw off liquid
Broach a keg of beer.
Breach
A breaking up or disruption of friendly relations; an estrangement.
Broach
To draw off (a liquid) by piercing a hole in a cask or other container.
Breach
A leap of a whale from the water.
Broach
To shape or enlarge (a hole) with a tapered, serrated tool.
Breach
The breaking of waves or surf.
Broach
To veer or cause to veer broadside to the wind and waves
Tried to keep the boat from broaching to.
Breach
To make a hole or gap in; break through.
Broach
A tapered, serrated tool used to shape or enlarge a hole.
Breach
To break or violate (an agreement, for example).
Broach
The hole made by such a tool.
Breach
To leap from the water
Waiting for the whale to breach.
Broach
A spit for roasting meat.
Breach
To develop a hole or opening. Used especially of protective embankments
The rising river caused the levee to breach.
Broach
A mason's narrow chisel.
Breach
A gap or opening made by breaking or battering, as in a wall, fortification or levee / embankment; the space between the parts of a solid body rent by violence
Broach
A gimlet for tapping or broaching casks.
Breach
A breaking up of amicable relations, a falling-out.
Broach
Variant of brooch.
Breach
A breaking of waters, as over a vessel or a coastal defence; the waters themselves
A clear breach is when the waves roll over the vessel without breaking. A clean breach is when everything on deck is swept away.
Broach
A series of chisel points mounted on one piece of steel. For example, the toothed stone chisel shown here.
Breach
A breaking out upon; an assault.
Broach
(masonry) A broad chisel for stone-cutting.
Breach
(archaic) A bruise; a wound.
Broach
Alternative spelling of brooch
Breach
(archaic) A hernia; a rupture.
Broach
A spit for cooking food.
Breach
(legal) A breaking or infraction of a law, or of any obligation or tie; violation; non-fulfillment
Breach of promise
Broach
An awl; a bodkin; also, a wooden rod or pin, sharpened at each end, used by thatchers.
Breach
(figurative) A difference in opinions, social class etc.
Broach
A spire rising from a tower.
Breach
The act of breaking, in a figurative sense.
Broach
A spit-like start on the head of a young stag.
Breach
(transitive) To make a breach in.
They breached the outer wall, but not the main one.
Broach
The stick from which candle wicks are suspended for dipping.
Breach
(transitive) To violate or break.
Broach
The pin in a lock which enters the barrel of the key.
Breach
To break into a ship or into a coastal defence.
Broach
(transitive) To make a hole in, especially a cask of liquor, and put in a tap in order to draw the liquid.
Breach
To leap out of the water.
Broach
(transitive) To open, to make an opening into; to pierce.
French knights at Agincourt were unable to broach the English line.
Breach
To charge or convict (someone) of breaching the terms of a bail, probation, recognizance, etc.
Broach
To begin discussion about (something).
I broached the subject of contraceptives carefully when the teenager mentioned his promiscuity.
Breach
The act of breaking, in a figurative sense.
Broach
(intransitive) To be turned sideways to oncoming waves, especially large or breaking waves.
The small boat broached and nearly sank, because of the large waves.
Breach
Specifically: A breaking or infraction of a law, or of any obligation or tie; violation; non-fulfillment; as, a breach of contract; a breach of promise.
Broach
(transitive) To cause to turn sideways to oncoming waves, especially large or breaking waves (usually followed by to; also figurative).
Each time we came around into the wind, the sea broached our bow.
Breach
A gap or opening made made by breaking or battering, as in a wall or fortification; the space between the parts of a solid body rent by violence; a break; a rupture.
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;Or close the wall up with our English dead.
Broach
To break the surface of the water.
Breach
A breaking of waters, as over a vessel; the waters themselves; surge; surf.
The Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters.
Broach
A spit.
He turned a broach that had worn a crown.
Breach
A breaking up of amicable relations; rupture.
There's fallen between him and my lordAn unkind breach.
Broach
An awl; a bodkin; also, a wooden rod or pin, sharpened at each end, used by thatchers.
Breach
A bruise; a wound.
Breach for breach, eye for eye.
Broach
A tool of steel, generally tapering, and of a polygonal form, with from four to eight cutting edges, for smoothing or enlarging holes in metal; sometimes made smooth or without edges, as for burnishing pivot holes in watches; a reamer. The broach for gun barrels is commonly square and without taper.
Breach
A hernia; a rupture.
Broach
A broad chisel for stonecutting.
Breach
A breaking out upon; an assault.
The Lord had made a breach upon Uzza.
Broach
A spire rising from a tower.
Breach
To make a breach or opening in; as, to breach the walls of a city.
Broach
A clasp for fastening a garment. See Brooch.
Breach
To break the water, as by leaping out; - said of a whale.
Broach
A spitlike start, on the head of a young stag.
Breach
A failure to perform some promised act or obligation
Broach
The stick from which candle wicks are suspended for dipping.
Breach
An opening (especially a gap in a dike or fortification)
Broach
The pin in a lock which enters the barrel of the key.
Breach
A personal or social separation (as between opposing factions);
They hoped to avoid a break in relations
Broach
To spit; to pierce as with a spit.
I'll broach the tadpole on my rapier's point.
Breach
Act in disregard of laws and rules;
Offend all laws of humanity
Violate the basic laws or human civilization
Break a law
Broach
To open for the first time, as stores.
You shall want neither weapons, victuals, nor aid; I will open the old armories, I will broach my store, and will bring forth my stores.
Breach
Make an opening or gap in
Broach
To make public; to utter; to publish first; to put forth; to introduce as a topic of conversation.
Those very opinions themselves had broached.
Broach
To cause to begin or break out.
Broach
To shape roughly, as a block of stone, by chiseling with a coarse tool.
Broach
To enlarge or dress (a hole), by using a broach.
Broach
A decorative pin worn by women
Common Curiosities
How can someone broach a difficult topic effectively?
By choosing the right moment, being sensitive to the listener's feelings, and using tactful language.
What does it mean to breach a contract?
To fail to fulfill one's obligations under the contract terms, leading to a violation.
Can a breach be repaired?
Yes, through corrective actions, apologies, and rebuilding trust, but the process can be challenging and time-consuming.
What are the consequences of a data breach?
Potential legal action, loss of trust, financial losses, and damage to reputation.
Why is it important to broach subjects like mental health?
To foster understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to seek help or support.
How does one prepare to broach a sensitive subject?
By planning what to say, anticipating reactions, and being prepared to listen and respond empathetically.
Can a breach of trust be prevented?
Yes, through open communication, setting clear expectations, and maintaining transparency.
How can broaching a topic change a relationship?
It can strengthen the relationship through honesty and vulnerability or cause tension if not handled well.
What does it mean when a ship broaches?
It means the ship has turned broadside to the wind and waves, often accidentally, posing a risk of capsizing.
Is broaching always welcome in conversations?
It depends on the context and how the subject is introduced; sensitivity to the audience's readiness is crucial.
What legal actions can result from a breach of privacy?
Lawsuits, fines, and enforcement actions by regulatory bodies.
What makes broaching a subject difficult?
Fear of negative reactions, the sensitivity of the topic, and uncertainty about the best approach.
What steps can organizations take to prevent breaches?
Implementing strong security measures, regular audits, and employee training on data protection.
Why is timing important when broaching a topic?
The right timing can make the conversation more productive and ensure the listener is receptive.
Can breaching a contract ever be justified?
In some cases, extenuating circumstances might provide a legal defense, but it typically requires legal evaluation.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
