Hawk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hawk
[hɔːk ]
Definitions
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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
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.
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| 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.
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| promote |
Used when trying to encourage people to buy or support something, often through advertising or advocacy. This word is neutral to positive.
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| 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.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'hawk'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
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.