Mob

Definition

Mob generally refers to a large crowd or group of people, especially one that is disorderly or intent on causing trouble.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /mɑb/
• Respelling: mahb (with "mah" as in "father" and "b" as in "bed")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /mɒb/
• Respelling: mob (with "mob" as in "job" and "bob")

In both dialects, "mob" places the primary stress on the single syllable. The pronunciation differs slightly between American and British English, with "mahb" in American English and "mob" in British English.

Etymology

The term "mob" is a shortening of the Latin phrase "mobile vulgus", which means "fickle commoners" or "the movable (changeable) common people". By the late 17th century, the term was abbreviated to "mob" and was used in English to describe a disorderly or riotous crowd.

Derivatives

• Mobster
• Mobbed
• Mobbing
• Mob-cap
• Mob rule

Synonyms

• Crowd
• Horde
• Throng

Antonyms

• Individual
• Lone person
• Solitary

Usage

"Mob" is commonly used to describe a large group of people, particularly one that's unruly or aggressive. It can be used both in a neutral context (a mob of fans) or a negative one (an angry mob).

• The mob outside the courthouse was shouting and demanding justice.
• Celebrities often have to navigate through mobs of enthusiastic fans.

Related Terms

• Riot
• Protest
• Gathering
• Assembly
• Group

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Large Group of People: A large or disorderly crowd of people; especially one bent on riotous or destructive action.‍
• Example: The mob stormed the city hall, expressing their discontent.

• Criminal Organization: A criminal organization, especially the Mafia operating in the U.S.‍
• Example: He was known to have ties with the mob.

Verb

• Crowd Around: To crowd around someone or something aggressively or persistently.‍
• Example: Fans mobbed the celebrity as he left the building.

• Overwhelm by Numbers: To attack or affect something or someone in large numbers.‍
• Example: The viewers mobbed the phone lines voting for their favorite contestant.