Mob Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
mob
[mษb ]
Definitions
violent or unruly crowd
A mob is a large, disorderly crowd of people who are violent or unruly. Mobs often form during protests or riots, and can pose a threat to public safety.
Synonyms
rabble, riotous crowd, throng.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mob |
A large and disorderly crowd, often with negative connotations. Typically implies unruly behavior and potential for violence.
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| riotous crowd |
A crowd engaged in violent or chaotic behavior, usually in the context of a riot. This phrase emphasizes the destructive and lawless nature of the group.
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| rabble |
A derogatory term for a disorderly crowd, suggesting they are of lower social status or unruly. Often used to imply that the crowd is unthinking or crude.
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| throng |
A large crowd of people packed closely together, without necessarily having a negative connotation. It simply indicates a high density of individuals.
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Examples of usage
- The mob gathered outside the government building, demanding justice.
- The police had to use tear gas to disperse the mob.
to crowd around or attack someone
To mob means to crowd around or attack someone in a group. This can happen during a protest, when people surround a person or group of people in a threatening or aggressive way.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mob |
Use when referring to a large, unruly crowd of people, often with aggressive or chaotic behavior. Can have a negative connotation.
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| surround |
General term for enclosing someone or something on all sides. Can be neutral or positive depending on the context.
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| swarm |
Typically used to describe a large number of people or animals moving together in an energetic and often chaotic manner. Can have a slightly negative connotation when describing people.
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| besiege |
Appropriate for situations where a place or person is being surrounded aggressively, often with the intent to capture or force surrender. Strongly negative connotation, often used in military or metaphorical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The fans mobbed the celebrity as soon as they saw him.
- The protesters mobbed the politician, shouting slogans.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows, 'mob' often refers to organized crime groups, like the mafia, known for their secretive and dangerous dealings.
- The term 'mob mentality' describes a way of thinking influenced by a group, leading individuals to act in ways they might not alone, especially during protests or riots.
- Popular games and shows like 'Grand Theft Auto' and 'The Sopranos' have highlighted mobster culture, shaping public perceptions of these groups.
Psychology
- Research indicates that individuals in 'mobs' may lose their sense of personal responsibility, which can lead to impulsive or aggressive behavior.
- The phenomenon of 'deindividuation' explains how people in a group lose self-awareness and accountability, often resulting in stronger emotional responses.
- Crowds can influence social behavior, leading to both positive outcomes (like collective joy) and negative ones (like violence).
Literature
- Mobs and crowds are commonly depicted in literature as a force that challenges authority, often representing societal unrest or revolution.
- Classic works, such as Charles Dickensโ 'A Tale of Two Cities,' illustrate the power of the mob in fueling change during tumultuous times.
- Modern dystopian novels frequently explore themes of mob mentality, where characters face moral dilemmas in a society controlling the masses.
Origin of 'mob'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'mob' comes from the Latin phrase 'mobile vulgus,' which means 'the mobile common people.'
- It was first used in English in the 18th century to describe crowds in a disorderly manner.
- Initially, it referred to any ordinary people, but over time, it became associated with unruly groups.
The word 'mob' originated in the late 17th century, initially meaning a disorderly crowd or rabble. It is believed to have derived from the Latin word 'mobile vulgus', meaning 'fickle common people'. Over time, the term 'mob' has come to be associated with violent or unruly crowds, often seen in protests or riots.
See also: immobility, mobster.