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

So far, officials say there is no sign of mass movement toward Turkey linked to developments in Iran.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 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

Mr Tryl, however, believes that while eco-populism could be a good way of getting known, the Greens would then need to "moderate" to become a "genuine mass movement party with potential for power".

From BBC • Aug. 17, 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