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

So are things like your menstrual periods getting less regular, changing in the duration, frequency or heaviness, and stuff like mood changes, hot flashes, night sweats, urinary issues, decreases in libido and vaginal dryness. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Antidepressants in general may cause side effects including an upset gastrointestinal tract, decreased libido, weight gain, headaches, insomnia, tremor or temperature changes, according to Joseph. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

Lower libido, erectile dysfunction in men, difficulties with arousal in women, and trouble reaching orgasm for everyone. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025

Misaligned circadian rhythms, common in shift workers or frequent travelers, can disrupt libido and intimacy windows. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for libido

• amido
• ejido
• tuxedo

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