Two other readings split off for noise / commotion senses.
哄 (first tone) is onomatopoeic — the roar of a crowd, peals of laughter, mass action:
哄堂大笑 (the whole room bursts out laughing),
一哄而上 (everyone rushes in at once).
哄 (fourth tone, historically written
鬨) is the rowdy 'uproar / brawl' word — locked to
起哄 (to heckle, to cause a disturbance). Three readings, three different sound shapes — match the context.
