libido

noun

li·bi·do | \ lə-ˈbē-(ˌ)dō also ˈli-bə-ˌdō

plural libidos

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 The drug was used to increase libido.

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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

Hims and Hers offer a range of drugs, from erectile dysfunction and acne meds, to oral herpes drug valacyclovir and low libido medication addyi. — Nicholas Thompson, WIRED, "Health Brands Hims and Hers Flout Facebook’s Rules on Drug Ads," 1 July 2019 Amag’s campaign has some of the hallmarks that helped launch the first female libido drug, Addyi, a once-a-day pill approved in 2015. — Washington Post, "New drug to boost women’s sex drive approved in US," 21 June 2019 Chemical castration involves taking medication to reduce testosterone, hormones and other chemicals that drive libido, states the bill. — Elinor Aspegren, USA TODAY, "Alabama Gov. signs law requiring chemical castration for some sex offender parolees," 11 June 2019 Pam also realized that a lack of communication between her and her husband stifled her libido even more. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "This Is What It's Like to Experience Low Libido," 29 May 2019 This is not just to boost your libido, but to make sure that if there’s a physical problem that it’s treated promptly. — Time, "Ask Dr. Ruth: How Do I Boost My Sex Drive?," 20 Apr. 2018 Here are the top reasons why your husband may have lost his libido, according to experts. 1. — Sarah Jio, Woman's Day, "10 Reasons Your Husband Doesn't Want to Have Sex," 21 Feb. 2019 His low libido could be a clue to other concerning health problems, says Phil Nguyen, M.D., an erectile dysfunction expert with the Boston Medical Group. — Sarah Jio, Woman's Day, "10 Reasons Your Husband Doesn't Want to Have Sex," 21 Feb. 2019 While your libido has been waning in the hot summer sun, now, bubble baths aren’t the only thing on your mind. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What August's Taurus Horoscope Means for You," 30 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'libido.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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5 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for libido

The first known use of libido was in 1909

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More Definitions for libido

libido

noun

English Language Learners Definition of libido

technical : a person's desire to have sex

See the full definition for libido in the English Language Learners Dictionary

libido

noun

li·bi·do | \ lə-ˈbēd-(ˌ)ō also ˈlib-ə-ˌdō or lə-ˈbī-(ˌ)dō\

plural libidos

Medical 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