libido

li·bi·do

noun \lə-ˈbē-(ˌ)dō also ˈli-bə-ˌdō\

plural li·bi·dos

Definition of LIBIDO

1

: instinctual psychic energy that in psychoanalytic theory is derived from primitive biological urges (as for sexual pleasure or self-preservation) and that is expressed in conscious activity

2

: sexual drive

Examples of LIBIDO

1. Lack of libido may be a sign of depression.

Origin of LIBIDO

New Latin libidin-, libido, from Latin, desire, lust, from libēre to please — more at love

First Known Use: 1909

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

Rhymes with LIBIDO

torpedo