libido

noun

li·​bi·​do lə-ˈbē-(ˌ)dō 

also

ˈli-bə-ˌdō 

or

lə-ˈbī-(ˌ)dō 

plural libidos

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

The drug was used to increase libido.

Did you know?

The Latin word libido, meaning "desire, lust", was borrowed by Sigmund Freud as the name for a concept in his own theories. At first he defined libido to mean the instinctual energy associated with the sex drive. Later he broadened the word's meaning and began using it to mean the mental energy behind purposeful human activity of any kind; in other words, the libido (for which Freud also used the term eros, a Greek word meaning "sexual love") came to be regarded as the life instinct, which included sex along with all the other impulses we rely on to keep us alive. But those of us who aren't psychologists use the word simply as a synonym for "sex drive".

Examples of libido in a Sentence

Lack of libido may be a sign of depression.

Recent Examples on the Web

As the young woman who catches both of their eyes, coaches both their games (officially and unofficially), and permanently sparks both their libidos, the Euphoria star is the designated alpha of the trio and the dominant force of Challengers itself. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2024

Managing libido differences is a common part of relationships. —Chloé Cooper Jones Emily Woo Zeller Krish Seenivasan Zachary Mouton, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024

Not all women in menopause are worried about their libido or interested in taking testosterone. —Rachel E. Gross, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2024

Penguin Libido Penguin’s CBD female libido combines both the powerful herbal ingredients seen in most female arousal supplements with CBD. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2024

Elm & Rye Libido This libido supplement from Elm & Rye will help with female arousal using the natural ingredients like maca root, ashwagandha, and tongkat ali to help balance hormones, improve mood, and increase libido with ease. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2024

The method that’s furthest along in trials is a topical gel that promises to induce temporary infertility when smeared daily on the shoulders and upper arms—without affecting mood or libido. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2024

Some people lose their libido or ability to become aroused, while others have problems with genital sensitivity, genital lubrication, reaching orgasm or having satisfying orgasms, or ejaculation. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024

In ads on Google, Facebook and elsewhere, testosterone telemedicine websites may promise a quick fix for sluggishness and low libido in men. —Michael Scaturro, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

libido

noun

li·​bi·​do

lə-ˈbēd-(ˌ)ō also ˈlib-ə-ˌdō or lə-ˈbī-(ˌ)dō

plural libidos

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