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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Incentive

In-cēn'tive, a.

adjective

a. [Lat. incentivus, from incinere, to strike up or set the tune, from prefix in and canere, to sing.] Inciting; encouraging or moving. Competency is the most incentive to industry. Decay of Piety.

In-cen'tive, n.

noun

n. [Lat. incentivum, It. & Sp. incentivo. See supra.]

  1. That which moves 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 most powerful incentives to action.
  2. That which serves to kindle or set on fire. [Rare.]

Part the incentive reed Provide, pernicious with one touch to fire. Milton. Syn.—Motive; spur; stimulus; incitement; encouragement.