libido

[ li-bee-doh ]

noun

, plural li·bi·dos.

1. Psychoanalysis. all of the instinctual energies and desires that are derived from the id.
2. sexual instinct or sexual drive.

libido

/ lɪˈbɪdɪnəl; lɪˈbiːdəʊ /

noun

1. psychoanal psychic energy emanating from the id
2. sexual urge or desire

libido

1. In Freudian psychology, the energy associated with the desires that come from the id .

Notes

Libido is loosely used to mean sexual desire.

Derived Forms

• libidinal, adjective
• liˈbidinally, adverb

Other Words From

• li·bid·i·nal [li-, bid, -n-l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of libido¹

First recorded in 1890–95; from Latin libīdō “desire, willfulness, lust,” akin to libēre “to be pleasing”

Word History and Origins

Origin of libido¹

C20 (in psychoanalysis): from Latin: desire

Example Sentences

The symptoms are wide ranging: from affecting mood, memory, focus, libido to effects on bone, brain, muscle, skin and hair.

From BBC

After the stress of a recent divorce waned and Ryan settled into a new routine, he noticed a huge spike in his libido.

From Salon

For centuries, chocolate has been used as a medicine to treat a long list of diseases including anaemia, tuberculosis, gout and even low libido.

From Salon

Other symptoms include skin that bruises easily, large purple stretch marks, weakness in your upper arms and thighs, reduced libido and fertility problems, depression and mood swings.

From BBC

Fennel is also said to be nourishing to the brain and eyes, calming to the spirit and stimulating to the libido.

From Salon

Related Words

• lust
• sexual desire
• sexuality