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

“We’ve seen how there is power with a mass movement of people. And so we’re hoping that the same thing can happen in this case.”

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2025

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

From Slate • Oct. 13, 2025

It was lifted on Monday - but by then protests had swelled into a mass movement.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

It was a select group, an elite group, a great number of us being Fort Hare graduates; we were far from a mass movement.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela