n.
Function: transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1 archaic : to pass over or by
2 : to check or stop by or as if by an obstacle : BLOCK
intransitive verb
1 : to stop short and refuse to proceed
2 : to refuse abruptly ― used with at <Congress balk ed at putting up the money ― Thomas Fleming>
3 : to commit a balk in sports
synonyms see FRUSTRATE
– balk · er noun