Hawk: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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
• '

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
• '

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
• '

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
• '