The term refers to the predatory, stern nature of the hawk. In finance, hawkish refers to a negative outlook on inflation, implying that price levels are too high. "Hawkish" is an adjective typically used to describe monetary policy which favors higher interest rates, tighter monetary controls and restrictive credit policy.

Officials are referred to as being "hawkish" when they emphasize the dangers of inflation rather than focusing on the need for growth. "Hawkish" stands in contrast to "dovish" which emphasizes a more accommodative monetary policy.

The entomology behind the term comes from the predatorily, high flying and positive symbol of the hawk - as opposed to dove, or dovish.

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