Baulked: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old English 'bealcian', meaning 'to stop short' or 'to be unwilling'.
• In Middle English, it evolved into 'balken' with a similar meaning, showcasing its long history in expressing hesitation.
• The spelling changed over time, but the core idea of stopping or refraining has remained consistent.

Psychology

• People often baulk when faced with high-pressure situations, which can trigger a fight-or-flight response.
• Fear of failure or rejection can cause individuals to baulk at opportunities, impacting their personal and professional growth.
• Baulking may serve as a protective mechanism, helping individuals avoid potentially negative outcomes.

Sport

• In sports like cricket or baseball, players may baulk during critical moments, showing hesitation that can affect the game.
• A baulk in basketball refers to a player hesitating, often used strategically to throw off the defender.
• Baulking can affect not only performance but also the psychology of competition, leading to increased pressure.

Literature

• In Shakespeare's works, characters often baulk at difficult choices, highlighting the human struggle with indecision.
• Baulking as a theme can illustrate personal conflict, where a character hesitates to act due to fear or uncertainty.
• Authors use the notion of baulking to add depth to characters, showcasing their vulnerabilities and internal battles.

This word's position of #34,323 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 34320 depressingly
• 34321 nonviable
• 34322 calve
• 34323 baulked
• 34324 charwoman
• 34325 geoscience
• 34326 smutty
• ...