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 instead, his rampaging libido attempts to express itself during one of his treatments, much to the surprise and discomfort of his massage therapist. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025

She’s also lost 6% of her body fat since starting TRT—and her libido improved. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 19 Feb. 2025

Serotonin also rises—cue a happier state of mind, while a surge in testosterone boosts libido. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025

Women with long COVID are more likely to have gastrointestinal issues and hair loss, while men are more susceptible to libido changes and depression. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Jan. 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