mob

mob · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A large, disorderly crowd of people, especially one bent on riotous or violent action.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) An organized criminal group; the Mafia.

  3. 3.

    (Australian) A group of animals, especially kangaroos.

  4. 4.

    (British informal) A group of people sharing a common characteristic or interest.

Forms

plural: mobs

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    mob rule — Control by a lawless crowd rather than proper authority
  • •
    mob mentality — The tendency for people in groups to act irrationally
  • •
    flash mob — A group that assembles suddenly in public to perform an act

Related words

Antonyms: individual
See also: crowd, gang, horde, mafia
Synonyms: crowd, gang, horde, throng

Etymology

Short for Latin mobile vulgus ("fickle common people"), which entered English in the 17th century. The term was originally considered slang before becoming standard.