balk
verb (used without object)
to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified (usually followed byat ).
balking
-
present participleof balk.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Companies tried to pass along their own price increases to customers, but customers were balking.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 3, 2026
Demand is strong and consumers aren’t balking at higher fares, plus it’s cutting capacity to mitigate the impact of higher fuel prices.
From Barron's ● Apr. 21, 2026
So far, they aren’t balking at the pricing changes, according to Anthony Chukumba, an equity research analyst at Loop Capital Markets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 2, 2026
Customers were balking after a string of price increases.
From BBC ● Feb. 1, 2026
What with the oxen balking so much we were two hours behind schedule.
From "My Brother Sam is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
