spirit
noun
ˈspɪrɪt 
ˈspɪrɪt mind/feelings/character
1 [uncountable, countable] the part of a person that includes their mind, feelings and character rather than their bodythe power of the human spirit to overcome difficulties2 spirits [plural] a person's feelings or state of mindto be in high/low spiritsYou must try and keep your spirits up (= stay cheerful).My spirits sank at the prospect of starting all over again.3 [countable] (always with an adjective) a person of the type mentioneda brave spiritkindred spirits (= people who like the same things as you) see also free spiritcourage/determination
4 [uncountable] courage, determination or energyShow a little fighting spirit.Although the team lost, they played with tremendous spirit.They took away his freedom and broke his spirit.loyal feelings
5 [uncountable, singular] loyal feelings towards a group, team or societyThere's not much community spirit around here. see also team spiritattitude
6 [singular] a state of mind or mood; an attitudeWe approached the situation in the wrong spirit.‘OK, I'll try’. ‘That's the spirit (= the right attitude).’The party went well because everyone entered into the spirit of things. see also party spirittypical quality
7 [singular] the typical or most important quality or mood of somethingThe exhibition captures the spirit of the age/times.real meaning
8 [uncountable] the real or intended meaning or purpose of somethingObey the spirit, not the letter (= the narrow meaning of the words) of the law.soul
9 [countable] the soul thought of as separate from the body and believed to live on after death; a ghostHe is dead, but his spirit lives on.It was believed that people could be possessed by evil spirits. see also the Holy Spiritimaginary creature
10 [countable] (old-fashioned) an imaginary creature with magic powers, for example, a fairy or an elfalcohol
11 [countable, usually plural] (especially British English) a strong alcoholic drinkI don't drink whisky or brandy or any other spirits.12 [uncountable] a special type of alcohol used in industry or medicine see also methylated spirit, surgical spirit, white spiritIdioms
in spirit
in your thoughts
I shall be with you in spirit (= thinking about you though not with you physically).the spirit is willing (but the flesh is weak)
(humorous, saying) you intend to do good things but you are too lazy, weak or busy to actually do themas/when/if the spirit moves you
as/when/if you feel like it
I'll go for a run this evening, if the spirit moves me.