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

So, he turned to the internet to find a remedy to curb his libido instead.

From Salon

“I’d rather just take something that can help me manage my libido and not have to worry about it.”

From Salon

Elsewhere on the internet, others recommend men who want to lower their libido go so far as to put their testicles in ice water or punch their penis.

From Salon

Related Words

• lust
• sexual desire
• sexuality