Definitions:

1. A compulsive or pathological urge, especially one that is difficult to control and may lead to harmful or excessive behavior. NOUN
   • He had a cocoethes for speaking the brutal truth, regardless of the consequences.
2. An irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action. NOUN
   • He cocoethes for gossip had spread like wildfire, ruining countless reputations.
3. Refers to an irresistible urge or uncontrollable desire, often to do something inadvisable, unreasonable, or bad. NOUN
   • The cacoethes of collecting stamps had consumed him, leaving him financially destitute.

Synonyms:

• compulsion
• fixation
• mania
• obsession
• passion
• urge