Definition of libido
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.
People Are Reading
Examples of libido in a Sentence
Lack of libido may be a sign of depression.
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".
Origin and Etymology of libido
New Latin libidin-, libido, from Latin, desire, lust, from libēre to please — more at love
First Known Use: 1909
Other Psychology Terms
LIBIDO Defined for English Language Learners
libido
playDefinition of libido for English Language Learners
-
: a person's desire to have sex
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of libido
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
Learn More about libido
-
See words that rhyme with libido Spanish Central: Translation of libido Nglish: Translation of libido for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about libido
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up libido? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!