Balk Meaning in English
word
ˈbɑɫk/, /ˈbɔk
BAWK
bˈɔːlk
BAWLK
Definition
To stop suddenly and refuse to go on or to do something, often because you are afraid, unwilling, or opposed. It can also mean showing hesitation or resistance.
Usage & Nuances
Fairly formal/literary; used for animals (like horses refusing to move) or for people resisting actions or plans. Common collocations: 'balk at', 'balked when'. Don't confuse with 'bulk'.
Spanish: vacilar - resistirse - negarsePortuguese (BR): hesitar - recusar - opor-sePortuguese (PT): hesitar - recusar - opor-seChinese (Simplified): 犹豫 - 拒绝 - 畏缩Chinese (Traditional): 猶豫 - 拒絕 - 畏縮Hindi: संकोच करना - टालना - रोकनाArabic: يتردد - يحجم - يعترضBengali: দ্বিধা করা - পিছিয়ে যাওয়াRussian: упрямиться - отказаться - сопротивлятьсяJapanese: ためらう - しりごみするVietnamese: chùn bước - do dựKorean: 주저하다 - 망설이다Turkish: çekimser kalmak - geri durmakUrdu: جھجھکنا - انکار کرناIndonesian: mengelak - enggan - ragu-ragu
Example Sentences
The horse balked at jumping over the fence.
basic
He balked when asked to work late.
basic
Many people balk at change.
basic
She balked at the idea of moving abroad for work.
natural
Investors balked when the company announced new fees.
natural
He never balks at a challenge, no matter how tough.
natural