Poach

/poʊtʃ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To illegally take game or fish from their natural habitats.

They were caught trying to poach deer in the national park.

To cook (an egg) in simmering water.

I prefer to poach my eggs for a healthier breakfast.

To steal or take someone else's ideas, employees, or resources.

The other company has been known to poach talent from its competitors.

Middle English: from Old French 'pocher' meaning 'to take, seize'.

poach an egg

To cook an egg without its shell in water.

poaching talent

Recruiting someone from another organization, often secretly.

to poach from

To take something from another source dishonestly.

bribery

The act of giving money or gifts to persuade someone to act in one's favor.

fishing

The activity of catching fish for food or sport.

hunting

The activity of pursuing animals for food or sport.

To steal or take something in a sneaky way.

He totally poached my idea and presented it as his own.

To lure someone from another group or organization.

She's trying to poach friends from different social circles.