balk
verb (used without object)
to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified (usually followed byat ).
was balking
-
past progressiveof balk.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The expulsions were set to be announced the next day in coordination with allies in Europe — an international show of resolve — and Trump was balking.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 18, 2018
However, the insurer was balking at the $5,000 anesthesiology tab.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 28, 2017
Western officials confirmed that Iran was balking at shipping the fuel out, but insisted that there were other ways of dealing with the material.
From New York Times ● Mar. 29, 2015
The Sacramento Bee, meanwhile, reported that the family was "balking over a city request that they chip in $3.26 million to help pay for predevelopment costs."
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 30, 2012
The company that had issued the bigger policy was balking at paying off.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
