Horde Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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horde

[hɔːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

group of people

A horde is a large group of people, typically with a negative connotation implying disorder or chaos. Hordes are often associated with invading armies or unruly mobs.

Synonyms

crowd, mass, mob, throng.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
horde	Use when referring to a large, often unorganized group of people, especially one that can cause trouble or seems overwhelming. It has a negative connotation. A horde of fans waited outside the concert hall A horde of locusts destroyed the crops
mob	Used for a disorderly or violent group of people, often angry or intent on causing trouble. It has a strong negative connotation. The mob broke into the store and started looting An angry mob protested outside the court
crowd	Appropriate for a large number of people gathered together, typically close to each other, usually in a neutral or positive context. A large crowd gathered to watch the parade She pushed her way through the crowd to get a better view
mass	Best used to describe a large number of people or things grouped together as a single entity, often in a neutral or impersonal manner. The mass of protestors filled the square A mass of data was collected during the experiment
throng	Describes a large, densely packed crowd of people or animals, usually in a positive or neutral context. A throng of tourists visited the historical site People thronged the streets during the festival

Examples of usage

The horde of protesters flooded the streets, demanding justice.
The barbarian horde swept through the village, leaving destruction in its wake.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

group of animals

In the context of animals, a horde refers to a large group or swarm. This term is often used to describe herds of animals such as buffalo, wildebeest, or locusts.

Synonyms

flock, herd, pack, swarm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
horde	Refers typically to a large group of people, often with a negative connotation, suggesting chaos or uncontrolled behavior. A horde of fans rushed towards the celebrity. The village was attacked by a horde of invaders.
swarm	Used mainly for a large group of insects, like bees or locusts, often implying overwhelming numbers and rapid movement. A swarm of bees surrounded the flowering tree. A swarm of locusts devoured the crops in minutes.
herd	Commonly used for a group of large animals like cattle or elephants, indicating they move together. A herd of elephants was seen near the watering hole. The cowboy managed to steer the herd to safer ground.
pack	Typically refers to a group of wild animals, especially canines like wolves, and can imply a sense of coordination. A pack of wolves hunted together in the forest. The dogs ran in a pack, chasing a rabbit.
flock	Usually used for a group of birds or sometimes sheep, often indicating movement together. A flock of geese flew overhead. The shepherd carefully guided his flock through the field.

Examples of usage

The horde of wildebeest migrated across the savanna in search of water.
The locust horde descended upon the crops, devouring everything in their path.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

The term is often associated with the Mongol hordes that swept across Asia and Europe in the 13th century.
These groups were known for their horseback warfare and strategic invasions that changed territories.
The notion of a horde also illustrates large-scale migrations, such as those by the Huns and other nomadic groups throughout history.

Pop Culture

In fantasy literature and games, 'horde' is commonly used to describe vast gatherings of creatures or enemies, such as orcs or zombies.
Popular video games often utilize the concept of a horde, where players must survive waves of enemies attacking in large numbers.
Films and TV shows sometimes depict characters facing overwhelming odds from a 'horde' of pursuers or monsters.

Psychology

Social psychologists study how individuals behave in a horde versus when in smaller groups, noting a tendency for anonymity to alter behavior.
The 'horde mentality,' or mob mentality, describes how individuals may act more aggressively in large groups than they would alone.
Research suggests that certain environmental factors, like noise and crowd density, can amplify feelings of anxiety or excitement in a horde.

Literature

In many classic stories, hordes symbolize chaos and the loss of individual identity, reflecting societal fears.
Authors depict hordes to explore themes of survival, such as in novels about apocalyptic scenarios.
The imagery of a horde can evoke emotions ranging from fear to awe, often serving as a backdrop for character development.

Origin of 'horde'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Mongolian word 'ordu', which means 'camp' or 'tent', originally referring to the encampments of nomadic tribes.
It was adopted into English in the 19th century, reflecting the growing interest in the cultures of Central Asia.
Historically, other terms like 'horde' conveyed the idea of a mobile, united group, particularly in military contexts.

The word 'horde' originated from the Turkish word 'ordu', meaning 'camp' or 'army'. It entered the English language in the 16th century through French and Italian sources, originally referring to a large military force. Over time, the term broadened its meaning to encompass any large group of people or animals.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,707, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19704 neurotransmitter
19705 geriatric
19706 conditioner
19707 horde
19708 disloyal
19709 parabola
19710 ding
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