mass movement

noun

1. an organized effort by a large number of people, especially those not forming part of the elite of a given society, to bring about pervasive changes in existing social, economic, or political institutions, frequently characterized by charismatic leadership.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mass movement¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

She went from a full-time mother to leading a mass movement.

From Time

People do things as part of a mass movement that they would not do as individuals, especially if they are convinced that others are out to destroy their way of life.

From Washington Post

Through the ages, stories and myths have propelled mass movements and revolutions, and fueled what researchers call “sacred causes.”

From Washington Post

Some might object that such a conservatism no longer exists as a mass movement in American politics.

From Washington Post

Climate leaders need to model this spirit, as it is the only one that will ever attract a mass movement.

From The Daily Beast

Justin Trudeau represents his campaign as an Obama-style mass movement.

From The Daily Beast

First, it puts an individual face on what is now a mass movement—and individuals can be arrested, imprisoned, and silenced.

From The Daily Beast

But that was no way to build a huge mass movement of Middle Americans to oppose the war.

From The Daily Beast

While Republican presidents rarely practiced what they preached, they did benefit from the zeal and energy of a mass movement.

From The Daily Beast

Such a mass movement displays, in fact, many of the characteristics of the "animal" crowd.

From Project Gutenberg

Under what conditions will a mass movement (a) become organized, and (b) become an institution?

From Project Gutenberg

It was a ringing declaration--a 'mass movement' of the delegates to the convention, later endorsed by the party membership.

From Project Gutenberg

Fine business for a revolutionary mass movement seeking to establish the co-operative commonwealth.

From Project Gutenberg

The murmur among the troops swells to a higher note, there is a crowding mass-movement towards the boats.

From Project Gutenberg