Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

zeitgeist

noun

/ˈzaɪtɡaɪst/

Definition

The defining spirit or mood associated with a particular period of history.

Examples

During the 1960s, the zeitgeist was heavily influenced by counterculture and social movements.
The film perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the 1990s.
Artists often draw inspiration from the zeitgeist to create relevant works.

Meaning

Zeitgeist refers to the general cultural, intellectual, ethical, and political climate within a certain time period. It captures the essence of the attitudes and ideas that are characteristic of that era.