mass movement

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of mass movement

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The demonstrations started in late December sparked by economic grievances but grew into a mass movement against the Islamic republic, with huge street protests from January 8, when authorities imposed an internet blackout.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

That’s where you start to get into mass movement and mass liberation.

From Slate • Oct. 13, 2025

XR's former spokesperson, Mr Read, believes campaigners should now focus on building a mass movement.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2025

But not everyone wants to participate in another four years of mass movement work.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2024

Brown did not end Jim Crow; a mass movement had to emerge first—one that aimed to create a new public consensus opposed to the evils of Jim Crow.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander