esprit de corps

American  

[e-spree duh kawr] / ɛˈspri də ˈkɔr /

noun

1. a sense of unity and of common interests and responsibilities, as developed among a group of persons closely associated in a task, cause, enterprise, etc.

   Synonyms:

   fellowship, solidarity, bonding, camaraderie

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esprit de corps British  

/ ɛˈspriː də ˈkɔː, ɛspri də kɔr /

noun

1. consciousness of and pride in belonging to a particular group; the sense of shared purpose and fellowship

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esprit de corps Cultural  

1. The feeling of camaraderie among members of a group or an organization: “The campers have been together for only one week, but they are already bound by a strong esprit de corps.” From French, meaning “group spirit.”

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Etymology

Origin of esprit de corps

First recorded in 1770–80; from French: literally, “group spirit”

Example Sentences

Esprit de corps: Egyptians marching through the streets of Cairo proudly brandished Tunisian flags, and their counterparts in Yemen are wearing pink bandannas as a show of solidarity with the people of Tunisia.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2011

Esprit de corps was not expected of it.

From The Longest Journey by Forster, E. M. (Edward Morgan)

Esprit de corps, which is the life-blood of caste, has vanished.

From Tales of Bengal by Banerjea, S. B.

He thought of jewelled hilts For daggers in plaid socks; of smart salutes; And care of arms; and leave; and pay arrears; Esprit de corps; and hints for young recruits.

From Poems by Owen, Wilfred

Which was a considerable help to its Esprit de corps.

From The Romance of a Great Store by Hungerford, Edward