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.

---

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

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

When King started the 1956 Birmingham bus boycott, Moore had urged his friend to take the action nationwide, but King was not prepared to lead a mass movement at the time.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson