(MOVEMENT) [adjective] [before noun] [specialized] - (of power or force) causing movement or actionWater provides the motive power that operates the mill.(figurative) The desire to provide for his family is a strong motive force for him (= is an important reason why he acts as he does). [before noun]
MOTIVE
Meaning of MOTIVE in English
Cambridge English vocab. Кембриджский английский словарь. 2012