check vs balk

check and balk both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
check	Yes	No	Yes	No
balk	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, check and balk are synonyms defined as:

check and balk: something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress

Other synonyms of check include baulk, deterrent, handicap, hinderance, hindrance, impediment.

check (noun)	balk (noun)
the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess	an illegal pitching motion while runners are on base
obstructing an opponent in ice hockey	one of several parallel sloping beams that support a roof
(chess) a direct attack on an opponent's king	something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
the act of inspecting or verifying	the area on a billiard table behind the balkline
a textile pattern of squares or crossed lines (resembling a checkerboard)
a mark left after a small piece has been chopped or broken off of something
an appraisal of the state of affairs
additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct
something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
the bill in a restaurant
a mark indicating that something has been noted or completed etc.
a written order directing a bank to pay money
the state of inactivity following an interruption

check (verb)	balk (verb)
slow the growth or development of	refuse to comply
become fractured; break or crack on the surface only
make cracks or chinks in
arrest the motion (of something) abruptly
examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
put a check mark on or near or next to
be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something
verify by consulting a source or authority
write out a check on a bank account
find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort
place into check
decline to initiate betting
hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of
mark into squares or draw squares on; draw crossed lines on
stop in a chase especially when scent is lost
abandon the intended prey, turn, and pursue an inferior prey
stop for a moment, as if out of uncertainty or caution
hand over something to somebody as for temporary safekeeping
consign for shipment on a vehicle
develop (a child's or animal's) behavior by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control
make an examination or investigation
lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
be verified or confirmed; pass inspection