Definition

A strong and uncontrollable urge or desire to do something, often considered harmful or excessive.

Example

His cacoethes for gambling led him to lose all his savings.

Conversation

Have you ever felt that strange cacoethes to do something impulsive?

Oh, definitely! Sometimes I just want to drop everything and go on an adventure.

It's like this insatiable desire that you can't ignore, right?

Exactly! It's what makes life exciting, even if it gets us into trouble sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cacoethes is formed from "caco-" (from Greek "kakos", meaning bad or evil) and "ethes" (from Greek "ēthos", meaning character or habit). The word describes a bad habit or an uncontrollable urge, particularly one that is harmful or detrimental.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bad' ('caco-') habits or urges that affect your 'character' ('ethos') — that's what cacoethes means.

Visually Confused Words