1 libido | Definition of libido

libido

noun
li·​bi·​do | \ lə-ˈbē-(ˌ)dō also ˈli-bə-ˌdō How to pronounce libido (audio) \
plural libidos

Definition of libido

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.

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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

Sprout Pharmaceuticals, the company behind female libido drug Addyi, has raised $20 million in venture funding. Polina Marinova, Fortune, "The Company Behind ‘Female Viagra’ Just Raised $20 Million in Funding," 4 Sep. 2019 Few writers can tackle the bedroom — or female libido — without careering into goofy burlesque. New York Times, "New & Noteworthy Books, From a Horrific Childhood to an Undersung Master," 23 July 2019 In the coming days, the Food and Drug Administration is expected to decide whether to approve a new medication for pre-menopausal women whose flagging libidos are causing them personal distress. Melissa Healy, latimes.com, "The FDA may soon give women more options for boosting their libidos," 21 June 2019 As Pane, tenor Daveed Buzaglo leads a trio of horny satyrs, who are portrayed here as homeless men who drown their sorrows and unquenched libidos in beer and bongs. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Voices sublime in Opera NEO’s modern world of ‘La Calisto’," 10 Aug. 2019 Chemical castration involves taking medication to reduce testosterone, hormones and other chemicals that drive libido, the bill states. Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY, "Alabama bill would require chemical castration for parolees convicted of sex crimes involving children," 5 June 2019 Breast cancer and its treatment can leave women with lower libido, a poor body image, and painful penetration. Lodro Rinzler, Marie Claire, "How Breast Cancer Affected My Sex Drive: 7 Young Women Open Up," 8 Oct. 2015 Patchouli, which is an herb in the mint family that grows throughout Southeast Asia, is an interesting ingredient, historically used as a bug repellent, and also in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions and to fire up libido. April Long, Town & Country, "Jackie Kennedy's Unexpected Love of Patchouli," 28 July 2019 Her caveats would be postmenopausal women or women struggling with libido after a significant medical change — for example, cancer. Nicole Blackwood, chicagotribune.com, "FDA approves Vyleesi, a new ‘Female Viagra.' What issues can it actually solve?," 24 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'libido.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of libido

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for libido

New Latin libidin-, libido, from Latin, desire, lust, from libēre to please — more at love

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More Definitions for libido

libido

noun

English Language Learners Definition of libido

technical : a person's desire to have sex

libido

noun
li·​bi·​do | \ lə-ˈbēd-(ˌ)ō also ˈlib-ə-ˌdō or lə-ˈbī-(ˌ)dō\
plural libidos

Medical Definition of libido

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on libido

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with libido

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for libido

Spanish Central: Translation of libido

Nglish: Translation of libido for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about libido