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

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

"We're trying to build a mass movement of strong, able-bodied, capable guys," he said.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 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