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 improves with experience in wars.

From Battle Studies by Ardant du Picq, Charles Jean Jacques Joseph

Esprit de corps could not restrain them when the question of uniting with the Tiers Etat had been invoked.

From History of the Girondists, Volume I Personal Memoirs of the Patriots of the French Revolution by Ryde, H. T.

Which was a considerable help to its Esprit de corps.

From The Romance of a Great Store by Hungerford, Edward

Esprit de corps is certainly very praiseworthy, but it should be moderated or forgotten in difficult circumstances.

From The Memoirs of General Baron De Marbot by Colt, Oliver C.