INCEN'TIVE, adjective [Low Latin incentivus, from incendo, to burn.] Inciting; encouraging or moving. Competency is the most incentive to industry. INCEN'TIVE, noun [Low Latin incentivum.] 1. That which kindles or inflames; used now in a figurative sense only. 2. 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. The love of money, and the desire of promotion, are two most powerful incentives to action.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI