Horde

Horde is a term used to denote a large, often loosely organized group of people moving together, typically in a migratory or military context. In English, it carries connotations of a mass of individuals acting as a single force, sometimes with implications of savagery or barbarism, though the term is also neutral in historical and descriptive use.

Etymology: The word horde comes from the Turkic-Mongolic word ordu, meaning camp, army, or retinue, borrowed into Russian as ordy/orda and then into English in the early modern period. Over time it broadened to refer to any large, unruly gathering of people.

Usage: Historically, "horde" has been used to describe invading armies or nomadic confederations, notably the Mongol hordes of the 13th century, and later used metaphorically for large crowds or mobs in literature and journalism. In some contexts it remains pejorative, suggesting disorganization or threat.

In popular culture: The term is widely recognized today as the name of the Horde, one of the two main factions in Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft series. The Horde is a coalition of races including orcs, tauren, trolls, the Forsaken (undead), blood elves, and goblins, among others, united by shared interests and antagonism toward the rival Alliance. In Warcraft lore, the Horde emphasizes tradition, honor, and survival, though its member races have divergent cultures.

Other uses: In gaming and media, "horde" is used to describe a large group of enemies or attackers, often appearing in waves (for example, horde modes in various action games). Outside entertainment, the term remains common in discourse to describe any large, unruly crowd.