1 C1 idiomatic informal
To gather in a large, often aggressive or intimidating group.
"Rival supporters began to mob up outside the stadium before the match even ended."
inseparable
mob up
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To gather together in a large group, often with aggressive or intimidating intent.
In plain English
To come together as a big, threatening group of people.
What does "mob up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic slang
(Gaming) For enemy characters or players to gather as a threatening group.
"The enemies mobbed up near the spawn point, making it impossible to progress."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Mob' means an unruly crowd; 'up' signals formation or gathering. To mob up: to form a mob.
Actually means
To come together as a big, threatening group of people.
Usage tip
Used in contexts of street confrontation, protest, or gang activity. Also used in gaming to describe enemy characters grouping together. Uncommon in mainstream conversation; more likely in journalistic or informal online discourse about group conflict.
Words that pair with "mob up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
gang crowd protestors fans outside entrance
How to conjugate "mob up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
mob up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
mobs up
he/she/it
Past simple
mobed up
yesterday
Past participle
mobed up
have + pp
-ing form
mobing up
continuous
Hear "mob up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "mob up"
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Keep exploring
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