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Mob: meaning, definitions and examples

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mob

 

[mɒb ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
mob

A large and disorderly crowd, often with negative connotations. Typically implies unruly behavior and potential for violence.

  • The mob surrounded the building, shouting angrily.
  • A mob of fans rushed the stage.
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.

  • The police struggled to control the riotous crowd.
  • The city was overrun by a riotous crowd after the controversial decision.
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.

  • The politician dismissed the protesters as a rabble.
  • The rabble caused chaos in the streets.
throng

A large crowd of people packed closely together, without necessarily having a negative connotation. It simply indicates a high density of individuals.

  • A throng of tourists gathered at the museum entrance.
  • She pushed her way through the throng to get a better view.

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 | Verb

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The angry mob gathered outside the city hall, demanding justice.
  • A mob of enthusiastic fans surrounded the celebrity, seeking autographs.
surround

General term for enclosing someone or something on all sides. Can be neutral or positive depending on the context.

  • They surrounded the suspect to prevent his escape.
  • We were surrounded by beautiful countryside on our hike.
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.

  • Tourists swarmed the beach, eager to enjoy the sunny weather.
  • Bees swarmed around the hive, busy with their tasks.
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.

  • The castle was besieged by enemy forces for weeks.
  • She felt besieged by reporters asking intrusive questions.

Examples of usage

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

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 Dickens’ '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.

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 Frequency Rank

Position #7,916 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.