herd instinct

American  

noun

1. the impulse or tendency toward clustering or acting in a group, especially the presumed instinct toward or need for gregariousness and conformity.

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herd instinct British  

noun

1. psychol the inborn tendency to associate with others and follow the group's behaviour

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Etymology

Origin of herd instinct

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Major U.S. carriers often copy one another’s pricing changes, a move that behavior analysts sometimes refer to as herd instinct.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 5, 2024

He said his departure was a result of the "herd instinct" at Westminster and it would be "painful" to not deliver on "so many ideas and projects".

From BBC • Jul. 7, 2022

It should be noted that ROE is not impervious to other factors such as overall market sentiment and the herd instinct.

From Encyclopedia.com • Apr. 9, 2018

But this mass operated with a herd instinct.

From New York Times • Sep. 15, 2016

“It’s the herd instinct of corporate publishing. They do what everyone else does,” Blaine said.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie