balking

verbstop short
verbthwart

Synonyms for balking

verb stop short

Antonyms for balking

disinclined

adjective. unwilling

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 for balking

And if you can propose some scheme for balking him, I'll take my hat off to you.

Jibbing, or “balking” as the Americans term it, is a detestable vice.

On the other hand, he, Theydon, might be balking the course of justice by holding his tongue.

The elevator was as dusky as ever, jolting and balking on its resentful way up.

At this balking of their hopes they set up a howl of disappointment.

Them there gas engines is worse than a team of mules when they get to bucking and balking.

“Oh, Lil and Grace are balking,” declared Nan, with disgust.

Wollaston was conscious of balking, although he would not retreat.

After a while I got to banking on that balking trick of his.

On further discussion, when they are made to understand that worthwhile hickories can be grown, you come to the balking point.

balking

Synonyms for balking

Antonyms for balking

More words related to balking

defensive

disinclined