balk
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /bɔk/
KK: /bɔk/
intransitive verb
Definition
To stop suddenly and refuse to continue, often due to hesitation or unwillingness; to make an illegal motion in sports before completing an action.
Example
The horse balked at the jump, refusing to move forward.
Tense Forms
Past: balked
Past Participle: balked
Conversation
Did you see how the horse balked at the jump during the competition?
Yeah, it was surprising to watch!
I thought it would easily clear it, but it just stopped.
Sometimes they just get scared, I guess.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hesitate
refuse
flinch
Antonyms
agree
advance
proceed
noun
Definition
A hindrance or obstacle that prevents progress or success.
Example
The sudden rain was a balk to our outdoor plans.
Conversation
Did you see that new pool table they installed at the café?
Yeah, I noticed it! I love how they have a nice balk line for the games.
Right? It makes the game so much more interesting.
transitive verb
Definition
To stop short and refuse to proceed, often due to hesitation or reluctance.
Example
He balked at the idea of moving to a new city.
Tense Forms
Past: balked
Past Participle: balked
Conversation
I really wanted to go to that concert, but I had to balk at the ticket price.
Yeah, it was pretty expensive this year.
I guess sometimes you have to balk at things that aren't worth it.
Root Explanation
Balk originates from Old English 'balca', meaning a beam or ridge. The word refers to the act of refusing to proceed or to stop short, much like a horse balking at a jump or obstacle.
Memory Tip
Think of a beam or ridge ('balca') that stops you from moving forward — that's why to balk means to hesitate or refuse to proceed.
Visually Confused Words
balak
bal
alk
bywalk
betalk