Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Psychoanalysis) Sexual urge or desire: In Freudian psychoanalytic theory, the term "libido" refers to the psychic energy or driving force associated with the sexual instinct. It is considered a fundamental component of human motivation and personality development.
   • (General use) Strong sexual desire: In broader, non-technical usage, "libido" commonly refers to a person's overall sex drive or level of sexual interest.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Freud believed the libido was a primary motivational force.
  • Stress and medication can sometimes affect a person's libido.
  • She experienced a noticeable decrease in her libido after the surgery.

Advanced Usage

• "Libidinal energy": The psychic energy associated with the libido, often discussed in psychoanalytic contexts.
  • The artist channeled his libidinal energy into his creative work.
• "Libidinal economy": A concept in critical theory (e.g., in the work of Jean-François Lyotard) describing the organization and circulation of desires and drives within a social system.
  • The essay analyzed the libidinal economy of consumer culture.

Variants and Related Words

• Libidinal (adjective): Pertaining to the libido or sexual desire.
  • He discussed the libidinal aspects of the dream imagery.
• Libidinous (adjective): Having or showing excessive sexual drive; lustful.
  • The novel's antagonist was portrayed as a libidinous character.

Synonyms

• Sex drive: The innate urge to seek sexual activity.
• Desire: A strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, often sexual.
• Passion: Intense, driving, or overwhelming feeling, which can be sexual.

Antonyms

• Asexuality: A lack of sexual attraction or interest in sexual activity.
• Anaphrodisia: Absence or loss of sexual desire.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To have a high/low libido": A common phrase describing the level of one's sexual desire.
  • He has always had a high libido, while hers fluctuates with her health.

Noun

1. (psychoanalysis) a Freudian term for sexual urge or desire