Causing motion; having power to move some one or something; tending to produce motion.Moving or impelling force in a figurative sense.That which moves, as a locomotive; in railroading, the locomotives collectively of a railroad: as, the super-intendent of the motive power.n. A mental state or force which induces an act of volition; a determining impulse: specifically, a desire for something; a gratification contemplated as the final cause of a certain action of the one desiring it.n. The design or object one has in any action; intention; purpose; the ideal object of desire.n. One who or that which is the cause of something; an originator.n. Movement.n. Prevailing design.n. . Motion; proposition.n. Synonyms Motive, Reason, Inducement, Incentive, Impulse, consideration, prompting, stimulus. The differences among the first five of these words are suggested by the derivations. A motive is that which moves one to act, addressing the will, as though directly, and determining the choice; it is the common philosophical term, and may be collective: as, the whole field of motive. A reason is that which addresses the rational nature by way of argument for either belief or choice. An inducement leads one on by his desire for good: as, to hold out an additional inducement. An incentive urges one on like martial music. An impulse drives one on, but is transitory.To act on as a motive, or with the force of a motive; prompt; instigate.