Balk
Balk noun - Something that makes movement or progress difficult.
Usage example: the extravagant centerpiece proved to be a balk to the flow of conversation
Check is a synonym for balk in allow topic. In some cases you can use "Check" instead the word "Balk" as a verb or a noun, when it comes to topics like thwart, impede, foil, frustrate.
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Check and Balk. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/balk/check
Balk & Check. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/balk/check>.
Check or Balk. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/balk/check.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "balk" and "check" have occurred on timeline