1spir·it 
/ˈspirət/ noun
plural spir·its /ˈspirət/ noun 1 a : the force within a person that is believed to give the body life, energy, and power [count] ▪ the spirits of my ancestors ▪ Some religions believe that the same spirit is reincarnated many times in different bodies. [noncount] ▪ Yoga is very healthy for both body and spirit. ▪ I'm sorry I can't make it to your wedding, but I'll be there in spirit. [=I will be thinking about you]
b [count] : the inner quality or nature of a person
▪ He still has a curious and youthful spirit. [=he is still a curious and youthful person] ▪ We will all miss her generous spirit. 2 [count] : a person
▪ My father was a proud spirit. ▪ They are kindred spirits. [=people with similar interests or concerns] — see also free spirit 3 a [count] : ghost
▪ evil spirits
b the Spirit : holy spirit 4 a : a desire or determination to do something [count] ▪ His many disappointments never broke his spirit. [=never took away his desire to succeed] ▪ He has a strong fighting spirit. [noncount] ▪ She's a good athlete with a lot of skill and spirit.
b [noncount] : enthusiastic loyalty
▪ The students showed their school spirit by having a rally to support the football team. 5 [singular] a : the attitude or feeling that a person has about a particular job, activity, etc.
▪ He didn't approach the work in/with the right spirit.
b : a shared attitude or feeling that relates to a particular time, place, activity, etc. — often + of ▪ the spirit of the times ▪ a new spirit of cooperation ▪ the spirit of competition ▪ We all got/entered into the spirit of the holidays. ▪ You'd have more fun if you'd just relax and get into the spirit of things. 6 spirits [plural] : feelings of happiness or unhappiness
▪ Spirits were low [=people were unhappy] after our team lost again. ▪ We need to do something to lift your spirits. [=to make you feel better/happier] ▪ It's hard work, but try to keep your spirits up. [=keep a happy and positive attitude] ▪ We were all in high spirits [=happy, cheerful] after the game. ▪ She was in low spirits. [=she was unhappy] ▪ He's still in the hospital, but he's in good spirits. [=happy and positive] — see also high-spirited, low-spirited 7 [noncount] : the real meaning or intention of something (such as a law)
▪ They seem to be more concerned with obeying the letter of the law than with understanding the spirit of the law. [=what was intended by the law when it was written] 8 spirits [plural] : strong alcoholic drinks : liquor
▪ The store sells wines and spirits.
b [count] : the inner quality or nature of a person
▪ He still has a curious and youthful spirit. [=he is still a curious and youthful person] ▪ We will all miss her generous spirit.
▪ My father was a proud spirit. ▪ They are kindred spirits. [=people with similar interests or concerns] — see also free spirit
▪ evil spirits
b the Spirit : holy spirit
b [noncount] : enthusiastic loyalty
▪ The students showed their school spirit by having a rally to support the football team.
▪ He didn't approach the work in/with the right spirit.
b : a shared attitude or feeling that relates to a particular time, place, activity, etc. — often + of ▪ the spirit of the times ▪ a new spirit of cooperation ▪ the spirit of competition ▪ We all got/entered into the spirit of the holidays. ▪ You'd have more fun if you'd just relax and get into the spirit of things.
▪ Spirits were low [=people were unhappy] after our team lost again. ▪ We need to do something to lift your spirits. [=to make you feel better/happier] ▪ It's hard work, but try to keep your spirits up. [=keep a happy and positive attitude] ▪ We were all in high spirits [=happy, cheerful] after the game. ▪ She was in low spirits. [=she was unhappy] ▪ He's still in the hospital, but he's in good spirits. [=happy and positive] — see also high-spirited, low-spirited
▪ They seem to be more concerned with obeying the letter of the law than with understanding the spirit of the law. [=what was intended by the law when it was written]
▪ The store sells wines and spirits.
as/when the spirit moves you
: when you feel like it : when the time is right
▪ I'll write when the spirit moves me.
▪ I'll write when the spirit moves me.
moving spirit — see moving
that's the spirit
informal — used to express approval of someone's attitude ▪ “I know I can do it if I keep trying.” “Yeah, that's the spirit!” [=that's the right attitude to have]
the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
— used to say that you want to do something but you cannot because you do not have the strength or energy — often used humorously ▪ I try to get up early and exercise, though sometimes the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
— see also surgical spirit, white spirit
