animal spirits

See synonyms for animal spirits on Thesaurus.com

noun

exuberance arising from an excess of energy; vivacity and good humor: The children romped on the lawn, full of animal spirits.

Origin of animal spirits

First recorded in 1535–45

Words Nearby animal spirits

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use animal spirits in a sentence

They are tall and good-looking, and seem to be simply overflowing with animal spirits.
Spanish Life in Town and Country | L. Higgin and Eugne E. Street
He was a young fellow with boundless animal spirits and plenty of pluck and courage.
The Devil-Tree of El Dorado | Frank Aubrey
Apparently, however, he was in the habit of giving vent to his animal spirits when alone.
Masterpieces of Mystery, Vol. 1 (of 4) | Various
He was decidedly popular in social circles, genial and good-natured, and full of animal spirits.
The Continental Monthly, Vol. 2, No. 2, August, 1862 | Various
He was very muscular and active, full of animal spirits, and had a fine intellectual countenance.
Hudson Bay | R.M. Ballantyne

British Dictionary definitions for animal spirits

animal spirits

pl n

cheerful and exuberant boisterousness

Origin of animal spirits

originally, referring to a vital force believed to be dispatched throughout the body by the brain

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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