cacoethes n an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action Usage(s) On himself: "I suffer from cacoethes loquendi, a mania or itch for talking, and from vanity . Most of us suffer in some degree From cacoethes loquendi, Yet some who deplore it at length seem to be Afflicted with ditto scribendi. Synonym(s) mania passion