Mob: meaning, definitions and examples

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mob

 

[ mɒb ]

Context #1

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

Examples of usage

  • The mob gathered outside the government building, demanding justice.
  • The police had to use tear gas to disperse the mob.
Context #2

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

besiege, surround, swarm

Examples of usage

  • The fans mobbed the celebrity as soon as they saw him.
  • The protesters mobbed the politician, shouting slogans.

Translations

Translations of the word "mob" in other languages:

🇵🇹 multidão

🇮🇳 भीड़

🇩🇪 Menge

🇮🇩 kerumunan

🇺🇦 натовп

🇵🇱 tłum

🇯🇵 群衆 (ぐんしゅう)

🇫🇷 foule

🇪🇸 multitud

🇹🇷 kalabalık

🇰🇷 군중 (gunjung)

🇸🇦 حشد

🇨🇿 dav

🇸🇰 dav

🇨🇳 人群 (rénqún)

🇸🇮 množica

🇮🇸 fjöldi

🇰🇿 жұрт

🇬🇪 ბრბო

🇦🇿 kütlə

🇲🇽 multitud

Word origin

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.