Vocabulary Spotlight
Balked
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To have stopped short or refused to go on; to have shown reluctance or objection.
“He balked at signing the contract due to its restrictive terms.”
Pronunciation
[bɔːkt]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Objected
Resisted
Refused
Withheld
Antonyms
Proceeded
Agreed
Endorsed
Permitted
Related Words
Reluctant (adjective)
Word Origin
“Balked” is the past tense of “balk,” which comes from Old English *balca*, meaning “ridge” or “obstacle,” eventually taking on the meaning of stopping or hesitating at a challenge.
Word Family
Verb: Balked – To have stopped short or shown hesitation.
Adjective: Balky – Showing reluctance or an unwillingness to proceed.
Noun: Balk – An obstruction or obstacle.
Mnemonics
Imagine a “bulk” that one must move but feels hesitant or unable to handle, causing them to balk.
Alternatively: Think of “balked” as having a “block” that stopped you from continuing forward.
Industry-specific Usage
Sports
In sports, a player may be described as having balked when they hesitated or showed reluctance in a critical moment.
Law
In legal contexts, someone may balk at signing an agreement if it contains unfavorable terms, showing reluctance to proceed.
Business
In business, clients may balk at high prices or strict contract terms, indicating hesitation to engage.
In Context
Balking often occurs when one encounters something daunting, unfamiliar, or objectionable, prompting hesitation or refusal to proceed.
In everyday settings, balking can signal a need for compromise or understanding, especially if terms or expectations are unreasonable.
The act of balking can reflect personal boundaries or reluctance in scenarios that require a high level of commitment or risk.