Meaning

2 senses

  1. (figuratively)A proponent of war or military intrusiveness.

  2. (dated, literary)An eagle.

More definitions
  • an advocate of an aggressive policy on foreign relations

Origin

Late 18th c., often attributed to Virginian Congressman John Randolph of Roanoke, but no w

Late 18th c., often attributed to Virginian Congressman John Randolph of Roanoke, but no written evidence exists. Popularized in debates concerning the War of 1812. Sense "eagle" probably a calque of Old English guþhafoc

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Forms

plural: war hawks

Synonyms

2 synonyms
hawkwarmonger
Close in meaning
  • an advocate of an aggressive policy on foreign relations:hawk

See also

neighbours in the dictionary
wantonwarA1warblerwarcraftwardB1
war hawk — meaning, examples, forms, synonyms | Krumeto