• Today's Word

Balk

🔊 Listen to the word Balk

BAWK

Definition

(verb/noun) To hesitate or refuse to proceed; to thwart or hinder something.

Example

 The horse balked at the high fence, refusing to jump despite the rider’s encouragement.

Word Origin

Late Old English: from Old Norse “balkr” meaning “partition” or “beam,” related to the idea of an obstruction.

Fun Fact

Baseball gave “balk” specialized meaning—when a pitcher makes an illegal motion, runners advance and the pitcher is charged with a balk, one of the sport’s most controversial calls. The original sense of a beam or barrier evolved into describing psychological resistance. Horses balk when something triggers their refusal instinct, making “balk” the perfect word for that specific moment when an animal or person simply won’t proceed despite urging. Politicians balk at proposals they find unacceptable. The phrase “balk at” captures that instant of digging in one’s heels—whether you balk at high prices, unreasonable demands, or scary commitments. Unlike gradual reluctance, balking is the moment of definite refusal, that psychological barrier where forward motion stops regardless of consequences or coaxing.