libidos

Carnal desire impulses

Libidos is the plural of libido, the psychic energy or instinctual drive associated with sexual desire.

Sigmund Freud popularized the term in psychoanalytic theory, where it represents a fundamental life force broader than mere sexual urge.

In everyday use, libido simply means sex drive: Stress and fatigue can lower your libido.

Someone with a high libido has strong sexual appetite; a low libido suggests diminished interest in sex.

sexual

desire

Intense wanting

  • lustIntense carnal appetite
  • arousalStirring to heightened state
  • passionIntense emotional drive

drive · urges · attraction · appetite · eroticism · sexuality · hormones · testosterone · estrogen · fantasies

psychological

Freud

Founder of psychoanalysis

instinct · sublimation · repression · ego · pleasure principle · life force · psychosexual · fixation · neurosis · defense mechanisms

medical

dysfunction

Abnormal or unhealthy operation

  • lowNot elevated
  • highGreat in altitude
  • hormonalRelating to body's chemical messengers

medication · antidepressants · menopause · andropause · treatment · therapy · testosterone · symptoms · diagnosis · enhancement

Opposites
sexual desire intensity

libidosfrigidity

Extreme coldness or aloofness

asexuality · coldness · disinterest · unresponsiveness · numbness

behavioral expression

libidoschastity

Abstaining from sexual activity

celibacy · abstinence · sexual restraint · continence · self-denial

psychoanalytic drives

libidosaggression

Hostile or attacking behavior

Phrases
Family

libido, libidinous

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