spir·it / ˈspirit/ • n. 1. the nonphysical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; the soul: we seek a harmony between body and spirit. ∎  such a part regarded as a person's true self and as capable of surviving physical death or separation: a year after he left, his spirit is still present. ∎  such a part manifested as an apparition after their death; a ghost. ∎  a supernatural being: shrines to nature spirits. ∎  (the Spirit) short for Holy Spirit. ∎ archaic a highly refined substance or fluid thought to govern vital phenomena.2. [in sing.] those qualities regarded as forming the definitive or typical elements in the character of a person, nation, or group or in the thought and attitudes of a particular period: the university is a symbol of the nation's egalitarian spirit. ∎  a person identified with their most prominent mental or moral characteristics or with their role in a group or movement: he was a leading spirit in the conference. ∎  a specified emotion or mood, esp. one prevailing at a particular time: I hope the team will build on this spirit of confidence. ∎  (spirits) a person's mood: the warm weather lifted everyone's spirits after the winter. ∎  the quality of courage, energy, and determination or assertiveness: his visitors admired his spirit and good temper. ∎  the attitude or intentions with which someone undertakes or regards something: he confessed in a spirit of self-respect, not defiance. ∎  the real meaning or the intention behind something as opposed to its strict verbal interpretation: the rule had been broken in spirit if not in letter.3. (usu. spirits) strong distilled liquor such as brandy, whiskey, gin, or rum. ∎  a volatile liquid, esp. a fuel, prepared by distillation: aviation spirit. ∎  archaic a solution of volatile components extracted from something, typically by distillation or by solution in alcohol: spirits of turpentine.• v. (-it·ed, -it·ing) [tr.] convey rapidly and secretly: stolen cows were spirited away some distance to prevent detection.PHRASES: enter into the spirit join wholeheartedly in an event, esp. one of celebration and festivity: he entered into the spirit of the occasion by dressing as a Pierrot.in (or in the) spirit in thought or intention though not physically: he couldn't be here in person, but he is with us in spirit.out of spirits sad; discouraged: I was too tired and out of spirits to eat or drink much.when the spirit moves someone when someone feels inclined to do something: he can be quite candid when the spirit moves him.the spirit world (in animistic and occult belief) the nonphysical realm in which disembodied spirits have their existence.PHRASAL VERBS: spirit someone up archaic stimulate, animate, or cheer up someone.ORIGIN: Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French, from Latin spiritus ‘breath, spirit,’ from spirare ‘breathe.’