balking
/ˈbɔkɪŋ/
noun
- The act of hesitating or refusing to proceed.
- The project faced a balking from the investors at the last minute.
- His balking at the challenge surprised everyone who knew him.
- There was a balking among the workers when the new policy was announced.
verb
- To hesitate or refuse to do something, especially because it seems difficult or unpleasant.
- She was balking at the idea of giving a speech in front of so many people.
- The team is balking at the new safety rules because they think they are too strict.
- He balked when asked to work overtime without extra pay.
- Of a horse or other animal: to stop suddenly and refuse to move forward.
- The horse balked at the fence and would not jump.
- Even after gentle coaxing, the pony kept balking at the stream.
- The mule balked in the middle of the trail, refusing to go any further.