spirit

Etymology

From Middle English spirit, from Old French espirit (“spirit”), from Latin spīritus (“breath; spirit”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)peys- (“to blow, breathe”). Compare inspire, respire, transpire, all ultimately from Latin spīrō (“I breathe, blow, respire”). In this sense, displaced native Middle English gast (from Old English gāst), whence modern English ghost. Doublet of esprit, spiritus, and sprite.

noun

1. The soul of a person or other creature.
   […] a triumph of the spirit over the flesh. 1967, MacCormack, Woman Times Seven
   I don't understand these people who call themselves spiritual advisors. Franklin Graham, the unfortunate son of Billy Graham, is George Bush's spiritual advisor. Bill Clinton had Jesse Jackson. Here's the part I don't understand: How can someone else advise you on your spirit? Isn't spirit an intensely personal, internal thing? Doesn't it, by its very nature, elude definition, much less analysis? What kind of advice could some drone who has devoted his life to the self-deception of religion possibly give you about your spirit? It sounds like a hustle to me. 2004, George Carlin, “THAT'S THE SPIRIT”, in When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?, New York: Hyperion Books, →OCLC, →OL, page 20
   Turians believe that groups and areas have "spirits" that transcend the individual. For example, a military unit would be considered to have a literal spirit that embodies the honor and courage it has displayed. A city's spirit reflects the accomplishments and industry of its residents. An ancient tree's spirit reflects the beauty and tranquility of the area it grows within. These spirits are neither good nor evil, nor are they appealed to for intercession. Turians do not believe spirits can affect the world, but spirits can inspire the living. Prayers and rituals allow an individual to converse with a spirit for guidance or inspiration. For example a turian who finds his loyalty tested may appeal to the spirit of his unit, hoping to reconnect with the pride and honor of the group. A turian who wishes to create a work of art may attempt to connect with the spirit of a beautiful location. 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect, Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Turians: Religion Codex entry
2. A supernatural being, often but not exclusively without physical form; ghost, fairy, angel.
   A wandering spirit haunts the island.
   Whilst young, preserve his tender mind from all impressions and notions of spirits and goblins[…] in the dark. 1693, John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning Education
   Walk slowly with a spirit by your side. 2009, Alexander Perls (lyrics and music), “With a Spirit” (track 10), in 009 Sound System, performed by Alexander Perls
3. Enthusiasm.
   The result may not quite give the Wearsiders a sweet ending to what has been a sour week, following allegations of sexual assault and drug possession against defender Titus Bramble, but it does at least demonstrate that their spirit remains strong in the face of adversity. October 1, 2011, Phil Dawkes, “Sunderland 2-2 West Brom”, in BBC Sport
   School spirit is at an all-time high.
4. The manner or style of something.
   In the spirit of forgiveness, we didn't press charges.
5. (usually in the plural) A volatile liquid, such as alcohol. The plural form spirits is a generic term for distilled alcoholic beverages.
6. Energy; ardour.
7. One who is vivacious or lively; one who evinces great activity or peculiar characteristics of mind or temper.
   a ruling spirit; a schismatic spirit
8. (often in the plural) Temper or disposition of mind; mental condition or disposition; intellectual or moral state.
   to be cheerful, or in good spirits; to be down-hearted, or in bad spirits
   God has […] made a spirit of building succeed a spirit of pulling down. 1667, Robert South, Sermon VII
9. (obsolete) Air set in motion by breathing; breath; hence, sometimes, life itself.
10. (obsolete) A rough breathing; an aspirate, such as the letter h; also, a mark denoting aspiration.
    Be it a letter or spirit, we have great use of it. 1640, Ben Jonson, The English Grammar
11. Intent; real meaning; opposed to the letter, or formal statement.
    the spirit of an enterprise, or of a document
12. (alchemy, obsolete) Any of the four substances: sulphur, sal ammoniac, quicksilver, and arsenic (or, according to some, orpiment).
13. (dyeing) Stannic chloride.

verb

1. To carry off, especially in haste, secrecy, or mystery.
   God does not make an appearance, but the Devil (Ms. Pinal) emphatically does: first in the guise of a schoolgirl who tries to lure Simon down with the sight of her shapely legs; then as a bearded but blatantly female Jesus carrying a lamb; and finally as a stylishly coiffed woman who succeeds in spiriting Simon off, by means of a jet, to a Manhattan discotheque — Buñuel’s persuasive idea of hell. February 8, 2009, Dave Kehr, “Buñuel at His Wildest, in Circulation Again”, in New York Times
   I felt as if I had been spirited into some castle of felicity. 1835, Nathaniel Parker Willis, Pencillings by the Way
2. Sometimes followed by up: to animate with vigour; to excite; to encourage; to inspirit.
   Civil dissensions often spirit the ambition of private men.