spirits Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
   hard drink; liquor; John Barleycorn; booze; hard liquor; strong drink.
   
2. noun the vital principle or animating force within living things
   spirit.
   
3. noun the general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people
   flavour; look; feel; tone; flavor; feeling; smell; spirit.
   
   • the feel of the city excited him
   • a clergyman improved the tone of the meeting
   • it had the smell of treason
4. noun a fundamental emotional and activating principle determining one's character
   spirit.
   
5. noun any incorporeal supernatural being that can become visible (or audible) to human beings
   disembodied spirit; spirit.
   
6. noun the state of a person's emotions (especially with regard to pleasure or dejection)
   emotional state; spirit.
   
   • his emotional state depended on her opinion
   • he was in good spirits
   • his spirit rose
7. noun the intended meaning of a communication
   intent; spirit; purport.
   
8. noun animation and energy in action or expression
   liveliness; life; sprightliness; spirit.
   
   • it was a heavy play and the actors tried in vain to give life to it
9. noun an inclination or tendency of a certain kind
   heart; spirit.
   
   • he had a change of heart
10. verb infuse with spirit
    spirit up; spirit; inspirit.
    
    • The company spirited him up

WordNet