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

A lot of my clients are noticing that their libidos have taken a nosedive without any discernible reason at first glance. —Myisha Battle, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025

Some people also experience uncomfortable side effects from oral antidepressants, such as weight gain, decreased libido, or mood changes. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 28 Jan. 2025

Cold Shock Response An icy dip reportedly triggers the release of adrenaline, serotonin, cortisol and dopamine which translate, among other benefits, into boosts for the immune system, improvement of blood circulation, increase of libido and burning of calories. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

So, what does the latest research say about GLP-1 drugs and lowered libido, and is this super common? —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 2 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