Antonyms for balk


Grammar : Verb
Spell : bawk
Phonetic Transcription : bɔk


Definition of balk

Origin :
  • 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.
  • verb stop short
  • verb thwart
Example sentences :
  • It seemed that nothing could balk her ambition in that direction.
  • Extract from : « Ruth Fielding and the Gypsies » by Alice B. Emerson
  • This was her first intimation that Republicans might balk at enfranchising women.
  • Extract from : « Susan B. Anthony » by Alma Lutz
  • He says that half of it is mine, but he may balk on taking charge.
  • Extract from : « David Lannarck, Midget » by George S. Harney
  • Grace and Cora almost collided in their attempt to balk Nancy.
  • Extract from : « A Little Miss Nobody » by Amy Bell Marlowe
  • He wanted to get up, and Lucy felt it would be brutal to balk any wish he had.
  • Extract from : « The Explorer » by W. Somerset Maugham
  • For the second time that evening he did not balk fate by fearing it.
  • Extract from : « The Trail of the Hawk » by Sinclair Lewis
  • When it comes to starving a woman in cold blood, my conscience begins to balk.
  • Extract from : « Virginia » by Ellen Glasgow
  • Now he made up his mind that nothing should balk him in the present attempt.
  • Extract from : « The Secret Wireless » by Lewis E. Theiss
  • And this was the howl that called Frank forth in time to balk its purpose.
  • Extract from : « Ungava » by R.M. Ballantyne
  • It was so, then there was nothing to balk at, it was complete between them.
  • Extract from : « The Rainbow » by D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence

Synonyms for balk

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019