n. & v.
--n.
1. a large number of people gathered together, usu. without orderly arrangement.
2 a mass of spectators; an audience.
3 colloq. a particular company or set of people (met the crowd from the sales department).
4 (prec. by the) the mass or multitude of people (go along with the crowd).
5 a large number (of things).
6 actors representing a crowd.
--v.
1. a intr. come together in a crowd. b tr. cause to do this. c intr. force one's way.
2 tr. a (foll. by into) force or compress into a confined space. b (often foll. by with; usu. in passive) fill or make abundant with (was crowded with tourists).
3 tr. a (of a number of people) come aggressively close to. b colloq. harass or pressure (a person).
Phrases and idioms:
crowd out exclude by crowding.
Derivatives:
crowdedness n.
Etymology: OE crudan press, drive