Meaning & Definition of word "Poach"

Poach

/poʊtʃ/

1. To illegally take game or fish from their natural habitats.
- Example: They were caught trying to poach deer in the national park.
2. To cook (an egg) in simmering water.
- Example: I prefer to poach my eggs for a healthier breakfast.
3. To steal or take someone else's ideas, employees, or resources.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: To steal or take something in a sneaky way.

● Example Sentence: He totally poached my idea and presented it as his own.

Meaning: To lure someone from another group or organization.

● Example Sentence: She's trying to poach friends from different social circles.