herd mentality

noun

UK /hɜːd mɛnˈtæləti/

US /hɝːd mɛnˈtæləti/

Herd mentality is when people copy what everyone else does instead of thinking for themselves.

Because of herd mentality, everyone in the class bought the same shoes.

SYNONYMS

groupthink mob mentality conformity follow-the-crowd behavior peer pressure

RELATED WORDS

crowd psychology social conformity bandwagon effect collective behavior imitation

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The tendency of a crowd to act together without careful thought.

The herd mentality of the crowd led to a rush for the exits.

3. Following popular trends just because they are popular.

Investors showed herd mentality and all bought the same stock.

4. The way animals in a group move and act together.

The herd mentality of the sheep kept them close to one another.