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Baulk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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baulk

[bɔːk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

hesitate action

To baulk means to hesitate or be unwilling to proceed with something, especially in a way that involves a strong sense of reluctance or resistance. It often refers to a sudden stop or an obstruction in taking action.

Synonyms

hesitate, refuse, resist, shy away.

Examples of usage

  • He baulked at the idea of moving to another country.
  • She baulked when asked to speak in public.
  • They baulked at the cost of the renovation.
  • The horse baulked when it saw the water.
Context #2 | Noun

obstacle barrier

A baulk can refer to an obstacle or barrier that hinders progress or prevents something from happening. In a general sense, it can relate to any physical or metaphorical hindrance.

Synonyms

barrier, hindrance, impediment, obstacle.

Examples of usage

  • There was a baulk in the road that prevented us from moving forward.
  • The project faced a baulk due to lack of funding.
  • The baulk in negotiations led to a stalemate.
  • His lack of experience became a baulk in his career advancement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'baulk'

The word 'baulk' has its origins in the Old English term 'balca', which refers to a beam or a ridge. It is related to the Middle Dutch word 'balke,' which means timber or beam. Over time, the meanings of 'baulk' shifted to denote an obstruction or a hesitation to act. In the 19th century, the modern spelling 'baulk' emerged, particularly in British English, where it became associated with the act of hesitating or being reluctant to move forward. The American English equivalent 'bulk' refers to a different concept, primarily related to size or mass. Thus, while 'baulk' retains a connotation of obstruction or hesitation, its original sense related to physical structures has mostly faded in contemporary language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,056, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.