What does the phrase "en masse" mean?

The phrase "en masse" originates from French and translates to "as a whole" in English. It is used to describe a situation where a group of people or items acts collectively or is considered together rather than individually or in smaller segments. In social or organizational contexts, this phrase can imply that a large number of individuals are participating in a particular action or event at the same time, thus emphasizing the unity and collective nature of their involvement. This is why the answer indicating "as a whole" accurately reflects the meaning of "en masse." The other options do not capture this essence, as they suggest individual actions or fragmented groups rather than a unified collective.