Swarming Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
swarming
[หswษหmษชล ]
Definitions
insects
To move in large numbers like insects in a swarm; to be crowded or overrun with moving creatures.
Synonyms
flood, overflow, teem, throng.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| swarming |
Used to describe a large number of people or animals moving together in a hectic or chaotic manner. Often associated with insects or a crowded situation.
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| teem |
Generally used to convey that a place is full of life or activity, especially in a vibrant and abundant way.
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| overflow |
Describes a situation where the amount of something exceeds the capacity of its container, can be both literal and figurative.
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| throng |
Often used to describe a large crowd of people gathered closely together, emphasizing the density and mass of people. Can have a slightly negative connotation of overwhelming presence.
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| flood |
Typically refers to an overwhelming quantity of something, often used literally to describe large amounts of water or metaphorically for an influx of people or things.
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Examples of usage
- The garden was swarming with bees.
- After the rain, the streets were swarming with ants.
- The picnic area became swarming with flies.
activity
A large number of people or things moving around in a busy or disordered way.
Synonyms
crowd, horde, multitude, throng.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| swarming |
This word is best used when describing a large group of living creatures, especially insects, moving together. It implies a sense of overwhelming numbers and motion.
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| crowd |
Use this word to refer to a large number of people gathered together in one place, especially in a public or social event. It can be neutral or have a slightly negative connotation if it implies congestion.
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| throng |
Use this word to describe a large, densely packed group of people or animals. It suggests a sense of close proximity and bustling activity, often in a somewhat chaotic manner.
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| multitude |
This word refers to a very large number of people or things. It often sounds more formal or literary and can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.
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| horde |
This word implies a large and often unruly or disorderly group. It often has a negative connotation and is used to describe groups that are perceived as threatening or overwhelming.
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Examples of usage
- The marketplace was a swarming of shoppers during the holiday season.
- The train station was a swarming of commuters during rush hour.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Certain insects, like locusts, change their behavior when they swarm, becoming more social and coordinated as a response to population density.
- Swarming can help animals find food more efficiently; for example, fish often move in schools to confuse predators.
- Honeybees swarm when a new queen is born, which is a way to start new colonies and ensure their survival.
Technology
- The concept of swarming has been applied in robotics, where multiple robots work together to perform tasks just like a swarm of bees.
- In computer networks, swarming algorithms are used for efficient data sharing, mimicking the decentralized decision-making found in nature.
- Swarm intelligence is a field of study that focuses on how individual behaviors lead to complex group patterns, similar to how birds flock together.
Cultural References
- In literature, swarming is often used as a metaphor for chaos or collective behavior, highlighting the power of unity among individuals.
- Swarming scenes are common in films and literature, often portraying natureโs beauty or terror, such as in Alfred Hitchcockโs movie 'The Birds.'
- Festivals in some cultures showcase swarming behavior with parades and groups moving together in synchronized patterns.
Environmental Science
- Swarming phenomena in species can indicate their responses to environmental changes, such as temperature and food availability.
- Understanding animal swarming behavior is vital for managing agricultural pests and conserving biodiversity.
- Research shows that climate change can affect the timing and frequency of natural swarming events in certain species, impacting ecosystems.
Psychology
- Swarming can reflect human group behavior, where individuals might follow a leader or a trend, seen in social media behavior.
- Psychological studies have shown that people are more likely to make risky decisions in groups, a form of social swarming.
- Crowd behavior during events can be analyzed through the lens of swarming, illustrating how panic can spread among people rapidly.
Origin of 'swarming'
The word 'swarming' originated from the Old English word 'sweorm,' meaning a mass of bees. Throughout history, the term has been used to describe the movement or gathering of insects or people in a large group. The concept of swarming reflects the natural behavior of certain species to come together in large numbers for various reasons, such as reproduction, migration, or seeking resources.
See also: swarm.