motive

n. the reason why you do something, especially a reason that other people might not know.

n. the psychological or situational incentive that prompts a specific choice or action.

“The police are still trying to find a motive for the robbery.”

“The investigator questioned whether the CEO had a financial motive for leaking the confidential merger details to the press.”

n. the specific reason why someone would want to commit a crime.

n. the specific cause or drive behind criminal behaviour, often used in legal contexts to establish intent.

“The lawyer argued that his client had no motive to hurt the victim.”

“In a criminal trial, establishing a clear motive can be as crucial as providing physical evidence to convince a jury of the defendant's guilt.”

n. a plan to go out or a social event like a party.

n. a planned social gathering or an intention to meet friends for an event.

“Are you coming to the motive at Sarah's house tonight?”

“They were looking for a motive after the concert, but most of the local clubs had already reached capacity.”

British English · Slang

adj. describing something that provides the power to move.

adj. relating to motion or providing the force that produces movement.

“Steam provided the motive power for the first trains.”

“The engineer explained that the motive force behind the turbine was high-pressure gas rather than liquid fuel.”

Technical

v. to give someone a reason to act or to encourage them to do something.

v. to prompt or incite an individual to action by providing a motive.

“The desire for fame can motive people to work very hard.”

“The promise of a significant bonus was intended to motive the sales team toward exceeding their quarterly targets.”

Formal