Definition of mob

The word "mob" has its roots in the Middle English word "mobe," which emerged in the 14th century. Initially, "mobe" referred to a group of people gathered together for a social or religious event, such as a pilgrimage or a procession. However, over time, the connotation of the word changed. By the mid-16th century, "mobe" had come to denote a group of disorderly or riotous people, often associated with criminal activities. This usage of the word became increasingly common during the 18th and 19th centuries, as urbanization and industrialization led to the rise of urban gangs and social unrest. In contemporary usage, "mob" is often used to describe a large, unruly group of people, often characterized by their destructive behavior or criminal activities. Although the term can sometimes be used interchangeably with "crowd," "gang," or "riot," "mob" typically carries with it a connotation of malintent and dangerousness.