Hawk: meaning, definitions and examples

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hawk

 

[ hษ”หk ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

bird of prey

A hawk is a bird of prey known for its sharp talons and keen eyesight. Hawks are skilled hunters that soar through the sky searching for small mammals and other birds to catch and eat.

Synonyms

bird of prey, predator, raptor

Examples of usage

  • The hawk circled high above, scanning the ground for its next meal.
  • When the hawk spotted the rabbit, it dove down with incredible speed to catch it.
Context #2 | Noun

person or organization that advocates for war

In political contexts, a hawk is someone who strongly supports military action and aggressive foreign policies. Hawks often believe in using military force to achieve their goals rather than diplomacy or negotiation.

Synonyms

militarist, war advocate, warmonger

Examples of usage

  • The senator has a reputation for being a hawk when it comes to national security issues.
  • The hawks in the administration pushed for a preemptive strike against the enemy.
Context #3 | Verb

to peddle goods aggressively

To hawk goods means to sell or promote them aggressively, often by calling out to passersby or using other attention-grabbing tactics. Street vendors and market traders are known to hawk their wares to attract customers.

Synonyms

peddle, promote, sell

Examples of usage

  • The vendor hawks his fresh fruits and vegetables to the shoppers in the busy square.
  • She walked down the street, hawking her handmade jewelry to anyone who would listen.

Translations

Translations of the word "hawk" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น falcรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคพเคœเคผ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Falke

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ elang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ััั‚ั€ัƒะฑ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ jastrzฤ…b

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ทน (ใŸใ‹)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท faucon

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ halcรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ลŸahin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋งค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุตู‚ุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jestล™รกb

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ jastrab

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้นฐ (yฤซng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sokol

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ haukur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ั‹ั€า“ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ”แƒ•แƒแƒ แƒ“แƒ”แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qฤฑrฤŸฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ halcรณn

Etymology

The word 'hawk' has its origins in Old English, where it was used to refer to the bird of prey. Over time, the term also came to be used metaphorically to describe someone who advocates for war or aggressive policies. The verb form of 'hawk' likely originated from the image of the bird swooping down to catch its prey, reflecting the idea of aggressive selling or promotion. The word has evolved to encompass both the majestic bird and the aggressive advocate, capturing the dual nature of strength and assertiveness.

See also: hawker, hawkish.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,079, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.