war hawk
nounEtymology 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
1
Figuratively A proponent of war or military intrusiveness.
- Suddenly, John R. Bolton, the conservative war hawk and favorite villain of the left, is the toast of Senate Democrats, the last, best hope to prove their abuse-of-power case against President Trump.2020 January 28, Peter Baker, “For John Bolton, an ‘Upside-Down World’ After Trump Revelation”, in The New York Times:
- But critics of Washington’s hyper-aggressive foreign policy need to understand that the flight of many of the worst war hawks from the Republican Party does not mean the GOP has returned to its non-interventionist roots.2024 October 17, Connor Okeeffe, “Beware of war hawks in ‘America First’ clothing”, in The Orange County Register: