What does BAULK mean?

**baulk** 1. Parts of Speech: verb, noun 2. Definitions: - (verb) to hesitate or be unwilling to proceed with an action or idea; to stop short and refuse to go on - (noun) an instance of baulking; an obstacle or hindrance 3. Pronunciations: - US: /bɔk/ - UK: /bɔːk/ 4. Origin and Usage: - The word "baulk" originated from the Middle English word "balke," meaning a crossbeam or balk of timber. It was later used to describe an obstacle or hindrance, and eventually came to mean hesitating or stopping short of an action or idea. - "Baulk" is commonly used in British English, while "balk" is the preferred spelling in American English. 5. Synonyms: - (verb) hesitate, falter, waver, pause, resist, refuse, recoil, shy away - (noun) obstacle, hindrance, barrier, impediment, obstruction 6. Related Words: - fault, hulks, talks, waulk 7. Example Sentences: - The horse baulked at the jump and refused to go over it. - The companys plans were baulked by a lack of funding. - The new regulations could be a baulk to the companys growth.