hawkish
hawkish Lexical Profile
hawkish Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Advocating an assertive, militant, or uncompromising stance in foreign policy or national security matters.
"Several lawmakers adopted a hawkish position during the senate debate on international trade sanctions."
Favoring higher interest rates and tighter monetary policy to keep inflation in check (especially of a central bank or economist).
"Financial markets reacted quickly after the central bank chair delivered a surprisingly hawkish speech on inflation."
Resembling a hawk in appearance or demeanor, especially in having a sharp, hooked nose or keen, piercing eyes.
"The portrait captured the elderly judge's hawkish profile and intense gaze."
Word Nuance & Usage
In economics and finance, "hawkish" specifically refers to monetary policy that prioritizes controlling inflation through higher interest rates, whereas "dovish" favors lower interest rates to stimulate economic growth and employment.
• Rhymes for hawkish
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 16th century from the noun "hawk" (from Old English "hafoc") plus the adjectival suffix "-ish"; the political sense contrasting aggressive "hawks" with peaceful "doves" emerged in American political discourse during the 1960s.