Definition

1. Noun:

   • A large, disorderly, and often aggressive crowd of people: A "mob" refers to a large group of people gathered together, typically in a chaotic, unruly, or potentially violent manner.
   • A group of people associated in some way, often with negative connotations: Informally, "mob" can refer to any large group of people or things. Specifically, it can mean an organized group of criminals involved in illegal activities.

2. Verb:

   • To crowd around (someone or something) in an unruly or excited way: To "mob" means for a large group of people to gather closely and energetically around a person or thing, often making movement difficult.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The angry mob gathered outside the building, demanding justice.
  • He was accused of having connections to the criminal mob.
  • A mob of reporters waited for the celebrity to arrive.

• Verb:

  • Fans mobbed the actor as he tried to leave the theater.
  • Shoppers mobbed the store on the first day of the big sale.

Advanced Usage

• "Mob rule": A situation where a mob exerts control or makes decisions through intimidation and force, rather than through lawful processes.

  • The city descended into mob rule after the government collapsed.

• "Mob mentality" (or "herd mentality"): The tendency for people in a group to think and act in a similar, often irrational or emotional, way, losing their individual sense of responsibility.

  • The riot was a clear example of dangerous mob mentality.

Variants and Related Words

• Mobster (n): A member of a criminal mob or gangster organization.

  • The famous mobster was finally arrested.

• Mobbed (adj): Extremely crowded with people.

  • The beach was mobbed on the holiday weekend.

Synonyms

• Noun (crowd): Throng, horde, multitude, rabble.
• Noun (gang): Syndicate, crew, ring, outfit.
• Verb: Swarm, surround, besiege, throng.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Mob" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. The verb "mob" is typically used transitively.)

Related Idioms

• "Mob scene": A place or situation that is extremely crowded and chaotic.

  • The product launch turned into a complete mob scene.

• "The mob" (with "the"): Often used specifically to refer to organized crime, especially the Mafia.

  • He was a feared boss in the mob.

Noun

1. an association of criminals
   • police tried to break up the gang
   • a pack of thieves
2. a loose affiliation of gangsters in charge of organized criminal activities
3. a disorderly crowd of people

Verb

1. press tightly together or cram
   • The crowd packed the auditorium