Cacoethes (nonfiction)

Cacoethes (or cacoëthes) is an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action.

The term is derived from a line in the Satires of Juvenal: Tenet insanabile multos scribendi cacoethes, or "the incurable desire (or itch) for writing affects many".

Nonfiction cross-reference

External links:

• cacoethes @ Wiktionary