esprit de corps

[e-spree duh kawr]

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

esprit de corps

/ 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

esprit de corps

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.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of esprit de corps¹

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

Example Sentences

The president told NBC News it would be an exercise in generating some "esprit de corps" - suggesting that he saw an opportunity to galvanise his troops.

From BBC

It’s absolutely worth a read, given her family’s quirky esprit de corps even when they had nothing to eat but impala.

From Los Angeles Times

Hiller believes nicknames can be useful in developing an identity and esprit de corps for young players, who are typically lacking both.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think there’s certainly an esprit de corps, a unity, a camaraderie that comes from going through an experience like this,” Lee said.

From Los Angeles Times

Many also worry about the effect the strike will have on the esprit de corps between faculty and students and the often lifelong relationships they build.

From Los Angeles Times