balk
1balk
noun \ˈbȯk sometimes ˈbȯlk\Definition of BALK
1
: a ridge of land left unplowed as a dividing line or through carelessness
4
5
: failure of a player to complete a motion; especially : an illegal motion of the pitcher in baseball while in position
Examples of BALK
- <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
2balk
verbDefinition 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
- The horse balked and would not jump the fence.
- The runner on third base tried to make the pitcher balk.
First Known Use of BALK
15th century
Related to BALK
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All Words Near: balk
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