Pronunciation: /bɔːk/

Definitions of balk

noun an instance of refusing to proceed or act

Example Sentences

A1 She experienced a balk in her progress when she couldn't understand the instructions.

A2 The team faced a balk in their project timeline due to unexpected delays.

B1 The company's expansion plans hit a balk when they encountered funding issues.

B2 The negotiations came to a balk when neither party could agree on the terms.

C1 The political leaders reached a balk in the peace talks, unable to find common ground.

C2 The athlete overcame every balk in his career to become a champion.

verb to hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking

Example Sentences

A1 She balked at the idea of trying sushi for the first time.

A2 The horse balked at jumping over the fence.

B1 He balked at the high cost of the concert tickets.

B2 The team balked at the coach's decision to change the starting lineup.

C1 The company balked at the proposed merger due to concerns about competition.

C2 The politician balked at signing the controversial bill, fearing backlash from constituents.

Examples of balk in a Sentence

formal The company decided to balk at the proposed merger due to potential risks involved.

informal I saw him balk at the idea of going to the party alone.

slang She always baulks at doing her homework on time.

figurative Don't balk at the opportunity to travel and explore new places.

Grammatical Forms of balk

past tense

balked

plural

balks

comparative

more balky

superlative

most balky

present tense

balk

future tense

will balk

perfect tense

have balked

continuous tense

is balking

singular

balk

positive degree

balk

infinitive

to balk

gerund

balking

participle

balked

Origin and Evolution of balk

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'balk' comes from Middle English 'balke' which originated from Old English 'balca' meaning a ridge or beam of wood.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'balk' evolved to also mean a hindrance or obstacle, especially in the context of sports like baseball or soccer.