balk

Word Origin & History

Old English balca "ridge, bank," from or influenced by Old Norse balkr "ridge of land," especially between two plowed furrows, both from Proto-Germanic *balkan-, *belkan- (cf. Old Saxon balko, Danish bjelke, Old Frisian balka, Old High German balcho, German Balken "beam, rafter"), from PIE *bhelg- "beam, plank" (cf. Latin fulcire "to prop up, support," fulcrum "bedpost;" Lithuanian balziena "cross-bar;" and possibly Greek phalanx "trunk, log, line of battle"). Modern senses are figurative, representing the balk as a hindrance or obstruction (see balk (v.)). Baseball sense is first attested 1845.

Example Sentences forbalk

It seemed that nothing could balk her ambition in that direction.

This was her first intimation that Republicans might balk at enfranchising women.

He says that half of it is mine, but he may balk on taking charge.

Grace and Cora almost collided in their attempt to balk Nancy.

He wanted to get up, and Lucy felt it would be brutal to balk any wish he had.

For the second time that evening he did not balk fate by fearing it.

When it comes to starving a woman in cold blood, my conscience begins to balk.

Now he made up his mind that nothing should balk him in the present attempt.

And this was the howl that called Frank forth in time to balk its purpose.

It was so, then there was nothing to balk at, it was complete between them.

balk

chagrin

dash

dashed

decline

declined

declining

defeat

defeating

balk

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