Vocabulary Spotlight
Balk
Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
Definition: To hesitate or refuse to proceed with something; an obstruction or obstacle.
“She balked at the idea of jumping into the icy water during the swim meet.”
Pronunciation
[bɔːk]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Recoil
Resist
Thwart
Obstruct
Antonyms
Advance
Accept
Endorse
Permit
Related Words
Balky (adjective)
Word Origin
“Balk” originated from Old English *balca*, meaning “ridge” or “barrier,” which later took on the meaning of stopping or hesitating at an obstacle.
Word Family
Verb: Balk – To hesitate or refuse to proceed.
Adjective: Balky – Describing something or someone prone to balking.
Noun: Balk – An obstruction or hindrance to progress.
Mnemonics
Think of “balk” as hitting a “block” in the road that makes you hesitate or stop.
Alternatively: Imagine “BA” as “back away” + “LK” as “lack” of willingness to continue.
Industry-specific Usage
Sports
In baseball, a “balk” is an illegal motion made by the pitcher, which allows base runners to advance.
Psychology
In psychology, someone may balk at an idea due to fear or anxiety, often resisting tasks that cause discomfort.
Business
In negotiations, a person may balk at unfavorable terms, showing hesitation or unwillingness to proceed with a deal.
In Context
Balking often represents hesitation or resistance in the face of discomfort, challenge, or opposition. It conveys the feeling of recoiling from something perceived as difficult or problematic.
In professional settings, balking can signal the need for compromise or adjustment, while in personal settings, it often shows reluctance to accept something.
The term “balk” also implies an interruption or obstacle that prevents forward progress, commonly used in sports and negotiations.