spirit

¹spir·it

noun \ˈspir-ət\

Definition of SPIRIT

1

: an animating or vital principle held to give life to physical organisms

2

: a supernatural being or essence: as a capitalized : holy spirit b : soul 2a c : an often malevolent being that is bodiless but can become visible; specifically : ghost 2 d : a malevolent being that enters and possesses a human being

3

: temper or disposition of mind or outlook especially when vigorous or animated <in high spirits>

4

: the immaterial intelligent or sentient part of a person

5

a : the activating or essential principle influencing a person <acted in a spirit of helpfulness> b : an inclination, impulse, or tendency of a specified kind : mood

6

a : a special attitude or frame of mind <the money-making spirit was for a time driven back — J. A. Froude> b : the feeling, quality, or disposition characterizing something <undertaken in a spirit of fun>

7

: a lively or brisk quality in a person or a person's actions

8

: a person having a character or disposition of a specified nature

9

: a mental disposition characterized by firmness or assertiveness <denied the charge with spirit>

10

a : distillate 1: as (1) : the liquid containing ethanol and water that is distilled from an alcoholic liquid or mash —often used in plural (2) : any of various volatile liquids obtained by distillation or cracking (as of petroleum, shale, or wood) —often used in plural b : a usually volatile organic solvent (as an alcohol, ester, or hydrocarbon)

11

a : prevailing tone or tendency <spirit of the age> b : general intent or real meaning <spirit of the law>

12

: an alcoholic solution of a volatile substance <spirit of camphor>

13

: enthusiastic loyalty <school spirit>

14

capitalized Christian Science : god 1b

Examples of SPIRIT

1. the spirits of my ancestors
2. Some religions believe that the same spirit is reincarnated many times in different bodies.
3. Yoga is very healthy for both body and spirit.
4. We will all miss her generous spirit.
5. My father was a proud spirit.

Origin of SPIRIT

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, espirit, spirit, from Latin spiritus, literally, breath, from spirare to blow, breathe

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to SPIRIT

Synonyms: psyche, soul

Antonyms: nonintoxicant

Related Words: life, vitality; being, essence, quintessence

Near Antonyms: body, flesh

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at courage

Other Occult Terms

augury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

Rhymes with SPIRIT

Meerut