libido

[li-bee-doh]

noun

plural

libidos 

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.

Libido is loosely used to mean sexual desire.

Other Word Forms

• libidinal adjective
• libidinally adverb

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

Adam had already tried finasteride, which left him feeling anxious, depressed and low in libido.

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Byerley, 34, touted benefits of the medicine, but later felt emotionally numb, had brain fog and a loss of libido, she said.

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Dr Naseem said creating a trusted space to discuss topics such as vaginal dryness, itching or loss of libido was also crucial.

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After about 50 years of service, some of it fruitful, most of it futile, I decided to put my libido away, once and for all.

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But for some, a loss of libido is common after life-changing events, such as pregnancy and childbirth, according to the NHS.

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Related Words

• lust 
• sexual desire www.thesaurus.com
• sexuality