To be hesitant about doing something or to refuse to do it. My dog balked at leaving the park.The young performer balked at taking the stage at the talent show.
balk at something
to resist and object to something; to shy away from doing something. I hope they don't balk at finishing their work.They will probably balk at it.
balk at
v.
1. To stop short and refuse to go on to do something: The horse balked at jumping over the fence.
2. To refuse something obstinately or abruptly: The politician balked at the compromise suggested by the opposing party.