balk

¹balk

noun \ˈbȯk sometimes ˈbȯlk\

Definition of BALK

1

: a ridge of land left unplowed as a dividing line or through carelessness

2

: beam, rafter

3

: hindrance, check

4

a : the space behind the balkline on a billiard table

b : any of the outside divisions made by the balklines

5

: failure of a player to complete a motion; especially : an illegal motion of the pitcher in baseball while in position

Examples of BALK

1. <the extravagant centerpiece proved to be a balk to the flow of conversation>

Origin of BALK

Middle English balke, from Old English balca; akin to Old High German balko beam, Latin fulcire to prop, Greek phalanx log, phalanx

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to BALK

Synonyms

encumbrance, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel

Related Words

catch, hitch, rub, snag; barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall; arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint; embargo, stoppage; delay, holdup, stall; burden, cumber, load; danger, hazard, peril, reef; adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardship

Near Antonyms

catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus; advantage, break, edge; aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

²balk

verb

Definition of BALK

transitive verb

1

archaic : to pass over or by

2

: to check or stop by or as if by an obstacle : block

intransitive verb

1

: to stop short and refuse to proceed

2

: to refuse abruptly —used with at <Congress balked at putting up the money — Thomas Fleming>

3

: to commit a balk in sports

— balk·er noun

Examples of BALK

1. The horse balked and would not jump the fence.
2. The runner on third base tried to make the pitcher balk.

First Known Use of BALK

15th century

Related to BALK

Synonyms

baffle, frustrate, beat, checkmate, discomfit, foil, thwart

Antonyms

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nurture, promote

Related Words

bar, block, clog, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel; arrest, check, halt, set back, short-circuit, stall, stop; avert, forestall, obviate, preclude, prevent; negate, neutralize, nullify; counteract, offset; conquer, defeat, overcome

Near Antonyms

abet, aid, assist; ease, facilitate, smooth

See Synonym Discussion at frustrate

Rhymes with BALK

auk, calk, caulk, chalk, gawk, hawk, Koch, Sauk, squawk, stalk, talk, walk