English vocabulary · C1
Balk
/bɔːk/ · v., n.
Balk means to stop before doing something because you do not want to. You feel unsure or against it, so you do not go on.
Watch the Balk lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- She balked at the unfair deal.
- The horse balked at the bridge.
Word origin and roots
from Old English
- balca — ridge (from Old English)
Synonyms and nuances
- HESITATE — wait because you are unsure (Pause Before Acting)
- RESIST — try not to accept something (Push Against It)
- REFUSE — decide not to do something (Say No)
Similar words
- hesitate
- resist
- refuse
Lesson notes
Balk means to stop before doing something because you do not want to. You feel unsure or against it, so you do not go on.
Related: hesitate, resist, refuse. Use balk when someone stops rather than go on.
She balked at the unfair deal. The horse balked at the bridge.
From Old English. Bal-ca means ridge. Balca became balk in English. A ridge blocks a path; a person may balk.