originally, referring to a vital force believed to be dispatched throughout the bodyby the brain
animal spirits in American English
healthy, lively vigor
animal spirits in American English
plural noun
exuberance arising from an excess of energy; vivacity and good humor
The children romped on the lawn, full of animal spirits
Word origin
[1535–45]This word is first recorded in the period 1535–45. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: intercept, suture, symmetry, tracer, twang
Examples of 'animal spirits' in a sentence
animal spirits
This is what you get when you let the animal spirits loose.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
In the absence of any such certainty, those animal spirits will remain depressed.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Here's hoping it can revive the animal spirits of capitalism.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Animal spirits are, however, usually associated with business, and here they are notably absent.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
In fact, those risks largely melted away, sparking a revival of animal spirits.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
We do need to fire up the financial animal spirits of our population.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The animal spirits are bubbling up in the commercial property world.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Even politicians' animal spirits can change eventually.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In the spring, chancellors can tap more easily into the animal spirits.