Definition
Balk refers to a verb that means to hesitate or refuse to proceed with an action, often due to fear, uncertainty, or disagreement with the situation or demand at hand. It can also indicate the act of hindering or obstructing progress or movement.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
hesitate, resist, refuse, recoil, shy away, demur, boggle, flinch, falter, back off, shy, hesitate, waver, pause
Antonyms
proceed, continue, go ahead, comply, agree, acquiesce, carry on, advance
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | balker, balkers, balkiness, balk, balks, balkinesses |
| Verb | balk |
| Adjective | balky |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The horse balked at jumping over the high fence, displaying its fear of heights.
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Despite his initial hesitation, John eventually overcame his doubts and didn’t balk at the opportunity presented to him.
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The company’s growth was repeatedly balked by bureaucratic red tape and excessive regulations.
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Sarah’s ambitious plans were met with resistance from her colleagues, causing her to balk at implementing them immediately.
Usage
The word “balk” originates from Middle English and has its roots in Old Norse and Old English. The term was originally used in the sense of a beam or a barrier, often seen in the context of construction or agriculture. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass a broader range of meanings.
In its verb form, balk gained the connotation of hesitation or refusal to proceed with an action. It can express a sense of reluctance or resistance due to various reasons such as fear, uncertainty, or disagreement. For example, someone might balk at taking on a challenge if they are unsure of their abilities or if they disagree with the ethical implications of the task at hand.
The word “balk” can also be used to describe obstructing or hindering progress or movement. In this sense, it implies an interference or an impediment that prevents something from advancing or achieving its intended outcome. This usage often involves situations where a particular action or plan is disrupted or rendered ineffective due to external factors.
It is worth noting that “balk” does not typically take any prefixes or suffixes to alter its core meaning. However, it may appear in compound words or phrases to amplify or specify its usage. For instance, “balkanized” is an adjective derived from “balk” that refers to the division or fragmentation of a region or entity into smaller, mutually incompatible parts.
Overall, the usage of “balk” remains versatile and adaptable across various contexts, encompassing notions of hesitation, resistance, obstruction, and hindrance. Its historical development and diverse meanings make it a valuable word in the English language.