impetus
n. C / Un. the force or energy that makes something happen or move faster. You use it when a new idea or event gives a project a sudden push forward.
n. a force that moves an object or the motivation that stimulates a process or activity. Often used metaphorically to describe the catalyst for social or political change.
The new law gave a fresh impetus to the project.
The discovery of new evidence provided the necessary impetus for the police to reopen the cold case.
While the initial funding was modest, the public outcry served as the primary impetus for the government to overhaul its environmental protection policies ahead of the international summit.
Borrowed from Latin impetus (“a rushing upon, an attack, assault, onset”), from impetō (“to rush upon, attack”), from in- (“upon”) + petō (“to seek, fall upon”).
Often paired with the verbs 'give', 'provide', or 'act as'. Frequently followed by the preposition 'to' or 'for'.