spirit
noun
- the life principle, esp. in human beings, originally regarded as inherent in the breath or as infused by a deity
- soul (sense )
- the thinking, motivating, feeling part of a person, often as distinguished from the body; mind; intelligence
- life, will, consciousness, thought, etc., regarded as separate from matter
- a supernatural being, esp. one thought of as haunting or possessing a person, house, etc., as a ghost, or as inhabiting a certain region, being of a certain good (or evil) character, etc., as an angel, demon, fairy, or elf
- an individual person or personality thought of as showing or having some specific quality: the brave spirits who pioneered
- frame of mind; disposition; mood; temper: in high spirits
- vivacity, courage, vigor, enthusiasm, etc.: to answer with spirit
- enthusiasm and loyalty: school spirit
- real meaning; true intention: to follow the spirit if not the letter of the law
- a pervading animating principle, essential or characteristic quality, or prevailing tendency or attitude: the spirit of the Renaissance
- a divine animating influence or inspiration
- strong alcoholic liquor produced by distillation
- Obsolete
- any of certain substances or fluids thought of as permeating organs of the body
- Alchemy sulfur, sal ammoniac, mercury, or orpiment
- Chem.
- any liquid produced by distillation, as from wood, shale, etc.: spirits of turpentine
- alcohol (sense )
- Dyeing a solution of a tin salt, etc., used as a mordant
- Pharmacy an alcoholic solution of a volatile or essential substance: spirits of camphor
transitive verb
- to inspirit, animate, encourage, cheer, etc.: (often with up)
- to carry (away, off, etc.) secretly and swiftly, or in some mysterious way
adjective
- of spirits or spiritualism
- ☆ believed to be manifested by spirits: spirit rapping
- operating by the burning of alcohol: a spirit lamp
See spirit in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(spĭrˈĭt)
nouna. The vital principle or animating force within living beings.
b. Incorporeal consciousness.
- The soul, considered as departing from the body of a person at death.
- Spirit The Holy Spirit.
- A supernatural being, as:
a. An angel or a demon.
b. A being inhabiting or embodying a particular place, object, or natural phenomenon.
c. A fairy or sprite.
a. The part of a human associated with the mind, will, and feelings: Though unable to join us today, they are with us in spirit.
b. The essential nature of a person or group.
- A person as characterized by a stated quality: He is a proud spirit.
a. An inclination or tendency of a specified kind: Her actions show a generous spirit.
b. A causative, activating, or essential principle: The couple's engagement was announced in a joyous spirit.
- spirits A mood or an emotional state: The guests were in high spirits. His sour spirits put a damper on the gathering.
- A particular mood or an emotional state characterized by vigor and animation: sang with spirit.
- Strong loyalty or dedication: team spirit.
- The predominant mood of an occasion or a period: “The spirit of 1776 is not dead” (Thomas Jefferson).
- The actual though unstated sense or significance of something: the spirit of the law.
- An alcohol solution of an essential or volatile substance. Often used in the plural with a singular verb.
- spirits An alcoholic beverage, especially distilled liquor.
transitive verb spir·it·ed,
spir·it·ing,
spir·its - To carry off mysteriously or secretly: The documents had been spirited away.
- To impart courage, animation, or determination to; inspirit.
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