libido

American  

[li-bee-doh] / lɪˈbi doʊ /

noun

plural

libidos

1. Psychoanalysis. all of the instinctual energies and desires that are derived from the id.

2. sexual instinct or sexual drive.

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libido British  

/ lɪˈbɪdɪnəl, lɪˈbiːdəʊ /

noun

1. psychoanal psychic energy emanating from the id

2. sexual urge or desire

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libido Cultural  

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

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Discover More

Libido is loosely used to mean sexual desire.

Other Word Forms

• libidinal adjective
• libidinally adverb

Etymology

Origin of libido

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

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

While there is no explicit reference to this side effect in patient leaflets, the UK medicines regulator told us there was a general warning about increased libido and harmful behaviour.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

Related Words

• lust
• sexual desire
• sexuality