throng

UK: θrɒŋ | US: θrɔːŋ

Definition

  1. n. a large, densely packed crowd of people or animals

  2. vi. to gather or move in a throng

Structure

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Etymology

Derived from Old English geþrang (a pressing or crowding), related to the verb þringan ("to press, push"). The word reflects the physical force of a dense crowd, with its Germanic roots emphasizing compression and movement. Over time, it lost the prefix ge- (a common Old English collective marker) and simplified to "throng," retaining its core meaning of a tightly packed mass.

Examples

  1. A throng of protesters gathered outside the courthouse.

  2. Shoppers thronged the mall during the holiday sale.

  3. The narrow streets were filled with a noisy throng.

  4. Fans thronged to the stadium to see the concert.

  5. She disappeared into the throng of commuters.