Posse: meaning, definitions and examples

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posse

[ˈpɑsi ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

group of people

A group of people who have a common purpose or interest, especially within a larger organization or community.

Synonyms

crew, group, team.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
posse	Often used informally to describe a group of friends or companions. This term can also refer to a law enforcement group in a more historical or western context. He walked into the party with his posse and the place lit up. The sheriff formed a posse to hunt down the bandits.
group	A general term for any collection of individuals, regardless of their relationship or purpose. This term is very versatile and can be used in various formal and informal situations. She joined a study group to prepare for the final exams. A group of tourists gathered near the monument.
team	Specifically used when referring to a group of individuals working together towards a common goal, often used in sports or professional settings. The basketball team practiced every day to prepare for the championship. Our marketing team is working on a new advertising campaign.
crew	Typically used to describe a team of people working together, particularly in operational or technical roles. Commonly associated with ships, films, and other projects. The movie's production was seamless thanks to the hardworking crew. The ship's crew prepared for the upcoming storm.

Examples of usage

The posse of volunteers helped clean up the park.
She joined a posse of like-minded individuals to advocate for change.
The sheriff deputized a posse to help track down the outlaws.
The posse of fans waited outside the concert venue.
The posse of students protested against the new policy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'posse' comes from the Latin phrase 'posse comitatus,' which means 'to be able to summon forces.'
Originally, 'posse' referred to a group called by a sheriff to maintain order, especially in the Old West.
Over time, it evolved to indicate any informal group or squad, away from its law enforcement roots.

Pop Culture

In many Western movies, the posse is often shown as a group of cowboys riding together to chase down outlaws.
The term 'posse' has been popularized by hip hop culture, often referring to a close-knit group of friends or crew.
A famous TV show called 'Friends' became iconic for showing the dynamics of a modern 'posse' in urban life.

Literature

In Mark Twain's works, characters often form small groups or 'posses' to support each other on adventures.
The idea of a posse can symbolize camaraderie and loyalty, themes explored in many coming-of-age novels.
Classic novels sometimes feature the concept, where a group takes on challenges collectively.

Social Dynamics

Being part of a posse can significantly impact an individual's social identity and self-esteem.
Groups often provide a sense of belonging and safety, important for mental health and community building.
Posse dynamics can influence behavior, such as peer pressure, offering both positive support and potential conflicts.

Entertainment

In gaming, players often form 'posses' or teams to collaborate in challenges and missions.
The term 'posse' is often used in music, where artists refer to their loyal fans or collaborators as their posse.
'Posse' is also the title of a 1993 film that mixed comedy with elements of Western and hip hop culture.

Translations

Translations of the word "posse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bando

🇮🇳 गुट

🇩🇪 Bande

🇮🇩 gerombolan

🇺🇦 банда

🇵🇱 banda

🇯🇵 一団

🇫🇷 bande

🇪🇸 banda

🇹🇷 çete

🇰🇷 무리

🇸🇦 عصابة

🇨🇿 banda

🇸🇰 banda

🇨🇳 团伙

🇸🇮 tolpa

🇮🇸 hópur

🇰🇿 топ

🇬🇪 ბანდა

🇦🇿 dəstə

🇲🇽 banda

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,524, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20521 splinter
20522 desultory
20523 pastel
20524 posse
20525 bellowed
20526 stoutly
20527 indium
...