balk
verb (used without object)
to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified (usually followed byat ).
had balked
-
past perfectof balk.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
A number of Middle East countries had balked at his presence, people familiar with the matter said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2025
Cohen previously testified that Trump had balked at paying the company, forcing him to do it himself.
From Salon ● May 20, 2024
The city had balked at the Lewenstein claim and its position was supported by the Dutch Restitutions Committee, the national panel that makes advisory recommendations in the Netherlands.
From New York Times ● Jun. 13, 2023
Other neighborhood business owners and organizations weren’t surprised that Weyerhaeuser had balked over public safety following a recent spate of shootings and assaults and the presence of a tent encampment in the neighborhood’s landmark pergola.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 1, 2021
But in the meantime, Prime Minister Naoto Kan had balked at the idea.
From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland
