Word Explorer
Children's Dictionary
Help
Help
Help
 
   
Lookup History
balk

balk

 
 
pronunciation:
bawk
part of speech: verb
inflections: balks, balking, balked
definition 1: to stop suddenly and refuse to go on.
The horse balked before the gate.
synonyms:
hesitate, pause, stop
similar words:
evade, flinch, halt, refuse
definition 2: to refuse to do some act (usually followed by "at").
Emma balked at her chores.
synonyms:
shrink from, steer clear of
similar words:
dodge, refuse, stall
definition 3: to block the progress of; stop.
An injury balked the racer's hope of winning.
synonyms:
check, hinder, stop
antonyms:
assist
similar words:
bar, block, defeat, disappoint, obstruct, prevent, stall
derivations: balkingly (adv.), balker (n.)