English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word balk in English

What does balk mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

balk

US /bɑːlk/
UK /bɑːlk/
"balk" picture

Verb

1.

hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking

Example:
•
Many people would balk at the idea of paying for water.
•
The horse balked at the jump.
Synonym:
hesitateflinchshrinkrecoildemur
2.

(in baseball) an illegal motion by a pitcher that results in a penalty, typically advancing any runners on base

Example:
•
The pitcher committed a balk, and the runner on first advanced to second.
•
It was a clear balk, but the umpire missed it.

Noun

1.

a sudden unwillingness to continue with a task or plan

Example:
•
He had a sudden balk at the last minute.
Synonym:
hesitationreluctanceunwillingnessdemurral
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