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

For example, fluctuations in estrogen and testosterone during the menstrual cycle and menopause can affect a woman’s libido and ability to orgasm. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 9 Aug. 2024

But what remained constant was that her libido was rarely, if ever, directed at another person, even her crushes. —Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2024

Menopause is marked by the end of menstruation and a myriad of physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes, migraines, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness, low libido, weight fluctuations, and more. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2024

Between Them: ‘Really Happy’ The couple said low testosterone doesn’t just affect libido, but could also be a warning sign for heart issues. —Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 26 July 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