mob
UK: mɒb | US: mɑːb
n. 1. A large, disorderly crowd of people, often aggressive or violent.
n. 2. (informal) A group or gang, especially one involved in criminal activity.
vt. To crowd around someone or something in an unruly way.
The word "mob" originated as a shortened form of the Latin phrase mobile vulgus, meaning "fickle crowd." It entered English in the late 17th century, initially used to describe the unpredictable and often unruly behavior of large groups. Over time, it evolved to emphasize disorderly or violent crowds and later extended to criminal gangs. The truncation reflects English's tendency to abbreviate borrowed phrases while retaining their core meaning.
The angry mob gathered outside the courthouse, demanding justice.
Police struggled to control the mob during the protest.
Reporters were mobbed by fans as soon as they left the building.
The crime boss commanded a powerful mob in the city.
Tourists often mob popular attractions during peak season.