Hawk: meaning, definitions and examples

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hawk

[hɔːk ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hawk	In a negative sense, it can describe a person who is extremely aggressive, especially in politics or business. He was labeled a hawk for his war-mongering policies.
bird of prey	Suitable for scientific or educational contexts, or when discussing a broader category that includes various types of predatory birds like eagles, falcons, and hawks. The sanctuary is home to many birds of prey, including eagles and falcons. Birds of prey have excellent vision, which helps them spot their prey from great distances.
raptor	Often used in scientific or technical contexts when discussing birds of prey. It may also be used in a casual manner to refer to these birds among enthusiasts. The raptor exhibit at the zoo features a variety of species, including owls and kestrels. Raptors have powerful talons and beaks for catching and eating their prey.
predator	Used to describe an animal that hunts and kills other animals for food. It can also describe a person or entity that exploits or takes advantage of others, often with a negative connotation. Lions are natural predators that play a vital role in the ecosystem. The company was seen as a predator in the industry, buying out competitors to eliminate competition.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hawk	This term is often used in political discourse to describe someone who is in favor of aggressive policies, especially regarding military action. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on one's perspective on military intervention. Senator Meyers is known as a hawk when it comes to foreign policy Many defense hawks believe that increased military spending is necessary for national security
war advocate	This term is more neutral and specifically denotes someone who supports the idea of going to war or military intervention as a solution to problems. It can be used in both historical and contemporary settings. During the debate, he emerged as a war advocate, arguing for intervention As a war advocate, she firmly believed that military action was necessary to establish peace
militarist	Typically has a negative connotation and refers more broadly to someone who believes in maintaining a strong military capability and is often associated with the glorification of military values and culture. His militarist views made him unpopular among voters who favored diplomatic solutions The militarist policies of the regime led to an escalation of the conflict
warmonger	Has a strong negative connotation and is used to criticize someone who is seen as eager to encourage conflict or war, often for personal or political gain. Critics labeled him a warmonger for pushing the country into unnecessary battles The media portrayed the leader as a warmonger, eager for confrontation

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hawk	Used when aggressively trying to sell goods, often in a street or marketplace. This word can have a negative connotation, as it implies overly forceful or persistent selling. 'Vendors hawked their goods loudly in the bustling market ' 'He hawked cheap jewelry to tourists on the beach '
sell	General term used for exchanging goods or services for money. It's broader and neutral, applicable in most situations where a transaction takes place. 'He sells cars at a local dealership ' 'They sold their house after deciding to move closer to family '
promote	Used when trying to encourage people to buy or support something, often through advertising or advocacy. This word is neutral to positive. 'The company promoted its new product through a series of television ads ' 'She actively promoted the benefits of healthy eating '
peddle	Refers to selling small goods, often going from place to place. The word can sometimes carry a negative implication, especially if the items being sold are of dubious quality or legality. 'The children peddled homemade lemonade in the neighborhood ' 'She was arrested for peddling counterfeit watches '

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'hawk' comes from the Old English 'hafoc', which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
Historically, the word was used to describe birds of prey, emphasizing their hunting ability.
Over time, the term evolved to represent various species of raptors, showcasing their prowess in the wild.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, hawks symbolize vision, power, and freedom, often seen as messengers between the heavens and earth.
Some Native American tribes regard them as spiritual guide animals, believing they possess special abilities to see the bigger picture.
Hawks often appear in art and folklore, serving as symbols of nobility and strength.

Biology

Hawks are birds of prey and belong to the family Accipitridae, which includes eagles and kites.
Their exceptional eyesight allows them to spot potential food from great distances, a skill that makes them proficient hunters.
Many species of hawks are known for their unique hunting techniques, such as the Red-tailed Hawk's use of soaring to survey vast areas.

Behavior

Hawks are territorial creatures and often engage in displays of aggression to defend their nests.
They rely heavily on their sharp talons and beaks for catching and consuming their prey.
Some hawks exhibit migratory behavior, traveling long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.

Conservation

Many hawk species are indicators of environmental health, as they are top predators in their ecosystems.
Conservation efforts have increased awareness and protection of raptor habitats due to past overhunting and habitat loss.
Sustainable practices and protected areas have helped certain hawk populations recover in recent years.

Translations

Translations of the word "hawk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falcão

🇮🇳 बाज़

🇩🇪 Falke

🇮🇩 elang

🇺🇦 яструб

🇵🇱 jastrząb

🇯🇵 鷹 (たか)

🇫🇷 faucon

🇪🇸 halcón

🇹🇷 şahin

🇰🇷 매

🇸🇦 صقر

🇨🇿 jestřáb

🇸🇰 jastrab

🇨🇳 鹰 (yīng)

🇸🇮 sokol

🇮🇸 haukur

🇰🇿 қырғи

🇬🇪 შევარდენი

🇦🇿 qırğı

🇲🇽 halcón

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.

...
13076 comet
13077 dredge
13078 taper
13079 hawk
13080 excision
13081 predominate
13082 atypical
...