cacoethes

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin cacoēthes, from Ancient Greek κακοήθης (kakoḗthēs, “ill-disposed”) from κακός (kakós, “bad”) + ἦθος (êthos, “disposition, nature”).

Synonyms

mania, passion

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