: 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".
Example Sentences
Lack of libido may be a sign of depression.
Recent Examples on the WebFor common baldness, the two drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—finasteride and minoxidil—promote hair growth only slightly, must be used daily, and can cause side effects like depression and decreased libido.WIRED, 8 Sep. 2022 Psychologically, many men, like your partner, find the loss of libido very difficult to deal with. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 1 Sep. 2022 Birth control side effects—such as acne, weight gain, loss of libido, and mood changes—are documented in numerous studies, though there’s disagreement over the validity of some results. Sarah Sloat, Wired, 15 Aug. 2022 Many herbs known to be considered aphrodisiacs have long been used to enhance libido — and moringa might be one of them. Valerie Agyeman, Good Housekeeping, 15 Aug. 2022 Loss of libido around menopause and perimenopause, for example, is normal, if not universal, as hormone fluctuations can have an effect. Stephanie Dolgoff, Good Housekeeping, 1 Aug. 2022 Women also have concerns about whether certain methods will cause weight gain, changes in mood, libido or energy level. Julie Washington, cleveland, 11 July 2022 The supplement can improve energy, gym performance, and muscle growth while increasing libido. Sophie Saint Thomas, Forbes, 7 May 2022 Earlier attempts at male birth control pills have largely worked by blocking testosterone, which can lead to depression, weight gain, and decreased libido. Corryn Wetzel, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Mar. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
New Latin libidin-, libido, from Latin, desire, lust, from libēre to please — more at love