animal spirits

American  

noun

1. exuberance arising from an excess of energy; vivacity and good humor.

   The children romped on the lawn, full of animal spirits.

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animal spirits British  

plural noun

1. cheerful and exuberant boisterousness

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Etymology

Origin of animal spirits

First recorded in 1535–45

Example Sentences

But if the war is wrapped up soon, Walsh sees animal spirits returning to boost both stock and bond markets.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

It’s on the supply-side, in a dearth of animal spirits and domestic competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

None of this means that the investment markets’ performance is always driven by animal spirits.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

“All of these, not to mention the S&P 500’s linear rally nearing 40% from the 4/7 intraday low, have ignited corporate and investor animal spirits alike,” he says.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 13, 2025

I was young, and, despite dread, full of animal spirits; it was impossible for me to take a dark view too long.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides