ID
eye-DEE
ID (noun) means In Freudian psychology, the part of the mind driven by basic, unconscious instincts and desires. Example: “His id wanted a second slice of cake, but he resisted.”
noun
1
In Freudian psychology, the part of the mind driven by basic, unconscious instincts and desires.
"His id wanted a second slice of cake, but he resisted."
2
Informal short form of "identification", such as a driving licence or passport used to prove who you are.
"The bouncer asked for ID before letting them in."
"You'll need photo ID to collect the parcel."
verb
1
Informal: to check or ask for someone's identification.
"The cashier IDed him before selling the wine."
How to use ID
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the instinctive, primal part of the mind in Freudian theory, or everyday shorthand for a form of identification.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the psychology term (unconscious drives) with the everyday abbreviation for identification — context makes it obvious which is meant.
Common pairings
check someone's ID
flash your ID
id vs ego
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Word forms
- Plural
- ids
- Third person singular
- IDs, ID's
- Past tense
- IDed, ID'ed, ID'd
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ wanted a second slice of cake, but he resisted.
Etymology
The psychology sense comes from Latin id ("it"), chosen by Freud's English translators to render his German term Es. The "identification" sense is simply short for "identification/identity".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “ID” mean?
The word “ID” means in Freudian psychology, the part of the mind driven by basic, unconscious instincts and desires. In plain terms, either the instinctive, primal part of the mind in Freudian theory, or everyday shorthand for a form of identification.
How do you pronounce “ID”?
“ID” is pronounced eye-DEE (/aɪˈdiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “ID” in a sentence?
Here is “ID” used in a sentence: “His id wanted a second slice of cake, but he resisted.”
What part of speech is “ID”?
Depending on how it is used, “ID” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ID” come from?
The word “ID” comes from Latin. The psychology sense comes from Latin id ("it"), chosen by Freud's English translators to render his German term Es. The "identification" sense is simply short for "identification/identity".
Is “ID” a common word?
“ID” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “ID” have?
“ID” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in Freudian psychology, the part of the mind driven by basic, unconscious instincts and desires.
What is the difference between the id, the ego, and the superego?
In Freud's model, the id is the primitive part demanding instant gratification of basic urges. The superego is the moral conscience, holding ideals and rules. The ego is the realistic mediator that balances the two, deciding how to satisfy the id's desires within what the world and conscience allow.
What is an example of the id?
The id shows itself in raw, immediate impulses: a newborn crying to be fed the instant it feels hunger, or the sudden urge to grab something you want without thinking of consequences. It seeks pleasure and relief now, ignoring rules, timing, or the needs of others entirely.
Is the id conscious or unconscious?
Freud placed the id entirely in the unconscious mind. We do not directly perceive it; instead it drives us from below awareness, pushing basic instincts and desires to the surface as feelings and impulses. The ego and superego then handle those urges at more conscious levels.
Why is the id important in Freudian theory?
The id is the starting point of Freud's model of the mind — the reservoir of instinctual energy that motivates all behaviour. Without it there would be no drive to act. The ego and superego develop later, largely to manage and channel the id's raw demands into acceptable forms.
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