Mobbed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mobbed
[mÉ’bd ]
Definition
crowd behavior
To be mobbed means to be surrounded and attacked or overwhelmed by a large group of people. This can happen in situations such as concerts, events, or any scenario where crowds gather. The word implies an aggressive or chaotic atmosphere where an individual is engulfed by the masses.
Synonyms
crowded, overwhelmed, surrounded.
Examples of usage
- The celebrity was mobbed by fans at the airport.
- He felt mobbed by the reporters when he left the courthouse.
- The new restaurant was mobbed on its opening night.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In music and movies, scenes where fans mob a celebrity often create thrilling moments that highlight fame and adoration.
- The term is frequently used in social media to describe a sudden surge of interactions, like getting 'mobbed' with messages or likes.
- TV shows have depicted mobbed events as both exhilarating and overwhelming, reflecting the dual nature of popularity.
Psychology
- People can feel both joy and anxiety when mobbed by crowds, experiencing the highs of connection but also stress from being overwhelmed.
- Crowd psychology shows that individuals often lose a sense of self among a mob, which can lead to both positive group behavior and negative actions.
- Feeling mobbed can trigger a fight-or-flight response, which explains why some people feel panicked in large crowds.
History
- Throughout history, mobs have played significant roles in social movements, sometimes forcing change or instigating chaos based on collective emotions.
- Famous historical mob events, like the Boston Tea Party, show how crowds can influence political change.
- During times of celebration, such as victory parades, individuals can be mobbed in joyous gatherings, highlighting how crowds bring both unity and disorder.
Safety
- Being mobbed in a crowd can raise safety concerns, especially in large events where there's a risk of crush injuries.
- Crowd management techniques are essential at large gatherings to prevent dangerous situations from arising when individuals feel mobbed.
- Understanding personal space is crucial, as being mobbed can lead to discomfort and a desire to escape the tight surroundings.
Origin of 'mobbed'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'mobbed' comes from the noun 'mob', meaning a large group of people, which originated in the 18th century.
- Originally, 'mob' was short for 'mobile crowd', referring to a group that could move quickly in the streets.
- In different contexts, 'mob' can also imply unruly behavior, showing how crowds can shift from friendly to chaotic.
The term 'mobbed' originates from the word 'mob', which means a disorderly crowd of people. The word 'mob' itself dates back to the late 17th century and is believed to be a shortened form of 'mobile vulgus', a Latin phrase meaning 'the fickle crowd'. The use of 'mobbed' as a verb emerged in the early 20th century, reflecting the action of being surrounded or attacked by a crowd. Over time, it has taken on a broader meaning beyond just negative connotations, often describing an overwhelming but sometimes positive experience of being overwhelmed by enthusiastic fans or admirers, particularly in entertainment contexts.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #30,590 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 30590 mobbed
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