rebaño

Rebaño is a Spanish word that translates to "flock" or "herd" in English. It is commonly used to refer to a group of animals, particularly domesticated ones, that are kept or move together. The term can apply to various species, including sheep (a flock of sheep is often called a "rebaño de ovejas"), goats ("rebaño de cabras"), cattle ("rebaño de ganado"), and even horses ("rebaño de caballos").

Beyond its literal meaning in animal husbandry, "rebaño" can also be used metaphorically. In a social or psychological context, it can describe a large group of people who are perceived as acting or thinking alike, often without much individual critical thought. This usage carries a connotation of conformity or susceptibility to influence, similar to the English term "herd mentality." The phrase "seguir al rebaño" means to follow the crowd.

The concept of a rebaño is fundamental to pastoral farming, where the management and protection of a group of animals are essential for survival and productivity. This includes aspects like grazing, moving the animals to different pastures, and safeguarding them from predators. The collective behavior of a rebaño can also be a key factor in their safety, as a group is often better able to detect and deter threats than an individual animal.