Poach: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is commonly used when referring to illegally hunting or capturing animals, especially when done secretly or stealthily. It also has a broader usage in contexts like sports (taking a shot meant for a teammate) or business (recruiting someone in an unethical way).

• The organization works to protect endangered species from being poached.
• The player was accused of poaching his teammate’s opportunity to score.
• The rival company tried to poach our top engineer.

This term is specifically focused on the illegal act of hunting animals, often without licenses or during prohibited seasons.

• Many wildlife reserves are patrolled to prevent individuals from hunting illegally.
• Two men were caught hunting illegally in the protected forest area.

This phrase is used in a legal context, highlighting the illegal aspect of seizing or taking control of something or someone, often without legitimate authority.

• The rebels were punished for attempting to capture the village unlawfully.
• Authorities arrested the gang for trying to capture people unlawfully and demanding ransom.

This phrase emphasizes the illegal act of killing, whether animals or humans, and carries a strong negative connotation. It's often used in more formal or legal discussions.

• The mafia was known for killing illicitly anyone who opposed them.
• Activists are working to expose and stop those who kill animals illicitly for trade.

Already defined above. The word appears twice, but the context remains the same.

A general term for cooking food slowly and with low heat to preserve its texture and nutrients. This can apply to various methods such as simmering, stewing, or poaching.

• For best results, cook the vegetables gently in a bit of olive oil
• The recipe suggested cooking the chicken gently to avoid making it tough

Cooking something in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. It's perfect for soups, stews, and sauces where you want to meld flavors slowly.

• After bringing the soup to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for an hour
• She let the sauce simmer until it thickened

Using steam from boiling water to cook food. This method is excellent for vegetables, dumplings, or fish, preserving nutrients and flavor without added fat.

• She steamed the broccoli to keep it crisp and green
• The restaurant is known for its delicious steamed dumplings