mobs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Neutral, with negative connotations for the noun. Technical/niche for the verb (gaming).
Quick answer
What does “mobs” mean?
(plural noun) A disorderly, often violent crowd of people.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(plural noun) A disorderly, often violent crowd of people; a large group of people acting together, especially in a way that is chaotic or threatening.
(verb, 3rd person singular present) In specific contexts (e.g., video games), to surround and attack an opponent or character with a large number of hostile entities (mobs).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Noun usage is largely identical. The term 'mob' for 'the Mafia' is more strongly associated with American usage.
Connotations
Identical negative connotations for the noun (riotous crowd).
Frequency
Comparatively equal frequency for the core noun meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “mobs” in a Sentence
The mobs [VERBed] [PLACE/OBJECT]Mobs of [PEOPLE] [ACTION]To be mobbed by [PEOPLE/ENTITIES]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mobs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- If you aggro too many creatures, they will all mob you at once.
- The players decided to mob the rare spawn for better loot.
American English
- The zombies will mob you if you go in there alone.
- We need to mob the boss before its enrage timer expires.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The company was mobbed by customers on launch day.'
Academic
Used in history, sociology, political science to describe riotous crowds or collective behavior.
Everyday
Used to describe chaotic, large groups, often in news reports: 'Mobs looted several shops.'
Technical
In gaming: 'The boss mobs are very difficult.' or 'He got mobbed by skeletons.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mobs”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mobs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mobs”
- Using 'mobs' as a neutral synonym for 'groups' (e.g., 'mobs of tourists' is pejorative).
- Confusing 'mob' (n) with 'mob' (v) in non-gaming contexts ('The fans mobbed the star' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun meaning 'crowd,' it is almost always negative, implying disorder or threat. In gaming slang, it is neutral, meaning 'mobile opponent.'
Yes. 'To mob someone' means for a crowd to swarm around them, often enthusiastically or aggressively (e.g., fans mobbing a celebrity, reporters mobbing a politician).
A 'crowd' is a neutral term for a large group. A 'mob' specifically implies that the group is disorderly, emotionally charged, and potentially violent or lawless.
It's short for 'mobile object,' originating from early multi-user dungeons (MUDs) to describe computer-controlled creatures that moved around.
(plural noun) A disorderly, often violent crowd of people.
Mobs is usually informal, neutral, with negative connotations for the noun. technical/niche for the verb (gaming). in register.
Mobs: in British English it is pronounced /mɒbz/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɑːbz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Mob rule (government or control by a mob)”
- “Mob mentality (the tendency for people in a group to act collectively in an irrational way)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MOBs Move Or Bust - suggesting chaotic, forced movement.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE ANIMALS / A GROUP IS A SINGLE DANGEROUS ENTITY (The mob turned on the authorities).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'mobs' MOST appropriately used?