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Baulking: meaning, definitions and examples

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baulking

 

[ ˈbɔːlkɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

hesitating action

Baulking refers to the act of hesitating or refusing to proceed with a decision or action, often due to reluctance or avoidance. This term is frequently used in contexts where individuals express doubt or reluctance to engage in a task or make a commitment. Baulking can occur in various situations, whether in decision-making, physical activity, or emotional responses. It highlights a cognitive or emotional barrier that prevents someone from taking a step forward.

Synonyms

flinch, hesitate, shirk, vacillate

Examples of usage

  • She was baulking at the idea of moving to a new city.
  • After long deliberation, he ended up baulking at the job offer.
  • The horse began baulking when it reached the steep hill.

Translations

Translations of the word "baulking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hesitação

🇮🇳 हिचकिचाना

🇩🇪 zögern

🇮🇩 ragu

🇺🇦 вагатися

🇵🇱 wahanie

🇯🇵 ためらい

🇫🇷 hésitation

🇪🇸 vacilación

🇹🇷 tereddüt

🇰🇷 주저함

🇸🇦 ت hes hes

🇨🇿 váhání

🇸🇰 váhanie

🇨🇳 犹豫

🇸🇮 oklevanje

🇮🇸 hika

🇰🇿 толғану

🇬🇪 მორიდება

🇦🇿 şübhə

🇲🇽 vacilación

Etymology

The word 'baulk' (or 'balk' in American English) originates from Middle English 'balke' meaning 'to avoid or evade'. This root can be traced back to Old Norse 'bálkr', which refers to a beam or a balk of timber, figuratively indicating an obstruction or something that stands in the way. Over time, 'baulk' evolved in usage to include the sense of hesitating or refusing to go ahead with an action, indicating a mental or emotional barrier. The modern usage of baulking emphasizes the reluctance inherent in the act, often reflecting a deeper uncertainty in decision-making processes. The term has retained its connotation over the centuries, illustrating how language and meaning can evolve while maintaining core concepts.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,861, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.