To stop short and refuse to proceed. verb
The horse balked at the jump and refused to go over.
She balked at the idea of moving to a new city without a job lined up.
To hesitate or be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking. verb
He balked at the high price of the concert tickets.
They balked at the suggestion of extending the deadline.
In baseball, an illegal motion made by a pitcher, penalized by allowing any base runners to advance one base. noun
The pitcher was called for a balk, allowing the runner to score.
A balk can occur if the pitcher does not come to a complete stop before throwing the ball.
A ridge or mound of earth. noun
The farmer plowed the field, leaving a balk between the rows.
They walked along the balk, enjoying the view of the countryside.