herd instinct

noun

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

herd instinct

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of herd instinct¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Their operation is intensified and regularized by herd instinct.

From Project Gutenberg

War is the result of the action of the herd instinct in man upon the old instinct of aggression.

From Project Gutenberg

The scheme is based on the Herd instinct—on the tendency of most creatures to follow their leader.

From Project Gutenberg

The dread shown by small children would seem already to be an expression of this herd instinct.

From Project Gutenberg

But Trotter is under no necessity of tracing back the herd instinct, for he characterizes it as primary and not further reducible.

From Project Gutenberg