balk
//bɔːk//
Verb
balkInfinitive
balkPresent tense
balkedPast tense
balkedPast participle
balkingPresent participle
balksThird-person singular
1
To hesitate or refuse to proceed or act, especially when faced with an obstacle or difficulty.
She balked at the idea of speaking in front of such a large audience.
2
To stop short and refuse to go on, as a horse refusing to jump.
The horse balked at the fence and refused to jump.
3
To thwart, hinder, or prevent someone from achieving something.
The security measures balked the thieves' attempt to break in.
Noun
1
A hindrance, obstacle, or disappointment.
The sudden rain was a balk to our outdoor plans.
2
In baseball, an illegal motion made by a pitcher that allows base runners to advance.
The umpire called a balk, allowing the runner to advance to second base.