trieb

Trieb is a German noun that denotes an internal force that motivates action, behavior, or growth. It is used for both psychological impulses and biological instincts, and it shares semantic roots with the English word drive. In everyday language it can describe a strong personal impulse as well as a natural tendency toward a certain course of action.

In psychology and psychoanalysis, Triebe are considered innate motivational forces behind behavior. Sigmund Freud distinguished major drives such as the life drive (Lebenstrieb, also called Eros) and the death drive (Todestrieb, Thanatos). Later theories broaden the concept to include various drives interacting with needs, external conditions, and learning.

In botany, Triebe refers to plant growth structures, notably shoots and new growth arising from buds. The term covers parts such as primary shoots and lateral shoots and is a standard technical term in plant physiology.

Outside psychology and botany, the word Trieb is less common in technical language. For mechanical systems the term Antrieb is more typical to indicate a driving force or propulsion. In philosophy and literary criticism, Trieb is used in a broader sense to discuss will, spontaneity, and the motivations behind human or animal behavior, often in relation to instinct, desire, or ethical interpretation.