esprit de corps

a feeling of unity, commitment, purpose, and collective efficacy shared by most or all of the members of a cohesive group or organization. Unlike group morale, which can be low when members are dissatisfied or indifferent, esprit de corps implies confidence and enthusiasm for the group. See also group cohesion; group solidarity.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

vacuum activity

in classical ethology, the occurrence of a fixed action pattern in the absence of the usual external stimulus (the releaser, or sign stimulus) that triggers the pattern. This is believed to be caused by a build-up of action-specific or motivational energy that overrides the innate releasing mechanism. Also called vacuum response. [proposed by Konrad Lorenz]