hawks

Noun

hawk (plural hawks)

1. A diurnal predatory bird of the family Accipitridae, smaller than an eagle.
   • It is illegal to hunt hawks or other raptors in many parts of the world.
2. Any diurnal predatory terrestrial bird of similar size and appearance to the accipitrid hawks, such as a falcon.
3. Any of various species of dragonfly of the genera Apocordulia and Austrocordulia, endemic to Australia.
4. An advocate of aggressive political positions and actions.
   • A hawk by nature, Ellenborough strongly favoured presenting St Petersburg with an ultimatum warning that any further incursions into Persia would be regarded as a hostile act.1990, Peter Hopkirk, The Great Game, Folio Society, published 2010, page 106

   Synonyms:

   warmonger, war hawk

   Antonyms:

   dove

5. An uncooperative or purely selfish participant in an exchange or game, especially when untrusting, acquisitive or treacherous. Refers specifically to the prisoner's dilemma, a.k.a. the Hawk-Dove game.

   Antonyms:

   dove

6. (US, often, with-definite-article, especially Chicago, and nationwide in African-American) Cold, sharp or biting wind.
   • […] take-out sandwich from Arnie's on Jackson, then a brisk walk to Michigan Avenue in the face of the "Hawk," blowing newspapers and skirts and the gulls wheeling over the Michigan Avenue Bridge in front of […]2000 September 26, William Anderson, A Season of Flames, Xlibris Corporation, →ISBN, page 27

See all 14 meanings of hawk