balk

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

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See Synonym Discussion at frustrate

Rhymes with BALK

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