balk
verb (used without object)
to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified (usually followed byat ).
balked
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past participleof balk.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof balk.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
balkverb (used without object)to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified (usually followed byat ).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Modern monarchs have to various degrees expressed remorse for Britain's central role in chattel slavery, but none has yet formally apologised, and debt-laden London has balked at the idea of financial compensation.
From Barron's ● Oct. 27, 2026
Netflix has faced competition from YouTube and short-form video, and some analysts have wondered whether viewers have balked at price increases.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 29, 2026
Past governments have looked at how to reform social care and balked at the potential costs.
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026
But his progress hit a wall when he, the school and its donors balked at sharply rising prices for talent.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026
A smaller number of geneticists, however, balked at complementary replication.
From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson
