Definition of: motive

(mō′tiv) noun
1. That which incites to motion or action.
2. A predominant idea; design.
—adjective
1. Having power to move; causing motion.
2. Relating to a motive or motives.
—v.t. ·tived, ·tiv·ing
1. To motivate; prompt.
2. To relate to the leading idea or motif in a work of art, etc. [<OF motif <Med. L motivus <motus, pp. of movere move] Synonyms (noun): consideration, ground, incentive, incitement, inducement, influence, reason. Motive may signify either a mental impulse, or something external that is an object of desire, and so an inducement or incitement to action. Compare CAUSE, IMPULSE, PURPOSE, REASON.