mass movement

mass movement

A mass movement can bring about significant social change.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A large-scale social or political action: "mass movement" refers to a significant, organized effort by a large group of people to achieve a common goal, often related to social change, political reform, or cultural shifts.
    • Geological phenomenon: In earth science, "mass movement" denotes the downslope movement of rock, soil, or debris under the influence of gravity, such as landslides, mudflows, or creep.
Usage Examples

  • Social/Political:

    • The civil rights era saw a powerful mass movement demanding equality. (A large, organized effort by many people for social justice.)
    • The environmental mass movement has gained momentum globally. (A widespread campaign for ecological protection.)

  • Geological:

    • The heavy rainfall triggered a mass movement of soil down the hillside. (A landslide or mudflow caused by gravity.)
    • Geologists study mass movement to predict and mitigate natural disasters. (The scientific analysis of slope failures.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to spark a mass movement": to initiate or inspire a large-scale social or political campaign.

    • The protest sparked a mass movement for educational reform. (The demonstration started a widespread effort for change.)

  • "mass movement in geomorphology": the technical term for the gradual or sudden movement of earth materials downslope.

    • Mass movement in geomorphology includes creep, slump, and rockfall. (Specific types of gravity-driven erosion.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Mass (adj/n): a large body of people or matter; relating to a large scale.
    • The mass of the population supports the movement. (The majority of people.)
  • Movement (n): an act of changing position; a group of people working together.
    • The movement gained traction after the speech. (The campaign progressed.)
Synonyms
  • Campaign: an organized course of action to achieve a goal.
  • Crusade: a vigorous, often moral, movement for a cause.
  • Landslide (geological): a specific type of mass movement involving rock and soil.
Related Idioms

  • To be part of a groundswell: to be part of a sudden, large-scale movement of public opinion.

    • The new policy was opposed by a groundswell of public protest. (A growing mass movement of opposition.)

  • To set the masses in motion: to inspire a large group to act collectively.

    • The leader’s speech set the masses in motion for reform. (It initiated a mass movement.)