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

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

The department had argued the policy was enforced “to increase discipline, uniformity, safety and esprit de corps throughout this Department,” according to a Washington Post report at the time.

From Washington Post

The drill teams are intended to be the face of each military branch, serving as ambassadors and demonstrating skill, discipline and esprit de corps for the public.

From Washington Post

And there was a buoyant esprit de corps, stemming from the troupe’s constant touring, not just all over Finland, but around the globe.

From New York Times

“When I look at the people that I met there and the structure and the camaraderie, it’s like we really had an esprit de corps there,” said Collick, 71.

From Washington Post