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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Incentive \In*cen"tive\, n. [L. incentivum.]
That which moves or influences the mind, or operates on the
passions; that which incites, or has a tendency to incite, to
determination or action; that which prompts to good or ill;
motive; spur; as, the love of money, and the desire of
promotion, are two powerful incentives to action.
[1913 Webster]

The greatest obstacles, the greatest terrors that come
in their way, are so far from making them quit the work
they had begun, that they rather prove incentives to
them to go on in it. --South.

Syn: Motive; spur; stimulus; incitement; encouragement;
inducement; influence.
[1913 Webster]


Incentive \In*cen"tive\, a. [L. incentivus, from incinere to
strike up or set the tune; pref. in- canere to sing. See
{Enchant}, {Chant}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. Inciting; encouraging or moving; rousing to action;
stimulative.
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Competency is the most incentive to industry. --Dr.
H. More.
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2. Serving to kindle or set on fire. [R.]
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Part incentive reed
Provide, pernicious with one touch of fire.
--Milton.
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