güdü

Güdü is a Turkish noun that denotes the motive or driving force behind behavior. It refers to an internal state or external cue that energizes and directs an organism to act in order to satisfy a need, reach a goal, or obtain a desired outcome. In everyday language, güdü can describe both biological motives, such as hunger or thirst, and psychological or social motives, such as achievement or belonging.

Etymology and related terms: The word derives from the Turkish verb güd- meaning to push or drive, with the noun-forming suffix -ü. Related linguistic forms include güdülemek (to motivate or spur on), and güdüsel (driven or instinctive). In Turkish, güdü is often contrasted with dürtü (impulse) and içgüdü (instinct), while motivasyon is the modern loanword used for motivation in many contexts.

Role in psychology and everyday use: In psychological discussion, güdü refers to the motivational forces that energize and direct behavior. It is commonly linked to needs (ihtiyaç) and their satisfaction (tatmin): when a need is unmet, güdü rises and motivates action; once the need is satisfied, the güdü diminishes. This aligns with drive-related theories that describe how drives propel goal-directed activity.

Examples and nuance: Güdü covers a broad range of motivations—from physiological drives like hunger to social and personal goals such as curiosity, achievement, or affiliation. It is typically viewed as a more enduring or purposive form of motivation than a sudden impulse, though in ordinary speech the boundaries between güdü, dürtü, and instinct can blur.

See also: dürtü, içgüdü, motivasyon, ihtiyaç.