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motive

/ˈməʊtɪv/
noun

  1. An idea or communication that makes one want to act, especially from spiritual sources; a divine prompting.

  2. An incentive to act in a particular way; a reason or emotion that makes one want to do something; anything that prompts a choice of action.

    Similar: motivation

  3. A limb or other bodily organ that can move.

Synonymsmotif, motivation
verb

  1. To prompt or incite by a motive or motives; to move.

    Similar: motivate

Synonymsmotivate
adjective

  1. Causing motion; having power to move, or tending to move

    "a motive argument"

    Similar: moving

  2. Relating to motion and/or to its cause

    Similar: motional

Synonymsmotional, moving

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