- poach
- [[t]po͟ʊtʃ[/t]]
poaches, poaching, poached1) VERB If someone poaches fish, animals, or birds, they illegally catch them on someone else's property.
[V n] Many national parks set up to provide a refuge for wildlife are regularly invaded by people poaching game. [Also V]
Derived words:poacher plural N-COUNTSecurity cameras have been installed to guard against poachers.
poaching N-UNCOUNTThe poaching of elephants for their tusks could start to decline soon.
2) VERB If an organization poaches members or customers from another organization, they secretly or dishonestly persuade them to join them or become their customers.[V n] The company authorised its staff to poach customers and instigate dirty tricks against the opposition.
[V n from n] ...allegations that it had poached members from other unions.
Syn:Derived words:poaching N-UNCOUNTThe union was accused of poaching.
3) VERB If someone poaches an idea, they dishonestly or illegally use the idea.[V n] The opposition parties have complained that the government has poached many of their ideas.
Syn:4) VERB When you poach an egg, you cook it gently in boiling water without its shell.[V n] Poach the eggs for 4 minutes...
[V-ed] He had a light breakfast of poached eggs and tea.
5) VERB If you poach food such as fish, you cook it gently in boiling water, milk, or other liquid.[V n] Poach the chicken until just cooked.
[V-ed] ...a pear poached in red wine...
[V-ed] The main course was to be a whole poached salmon.
Derived words:poaching N-UNCOUNTYou will need a pot of broth for poaching.
English dictionary. 2008.