Definition of incentive

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< incent

incentive travel >

in·cen·tive    (n-sntv) KEY 

NOUN:

Something, such as the fear of punishment or the expectation of reward, that induces action or motivates effort.

ADJECTIVE:

Serving to induce or motivate: an incentive bonus for high productivity.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Late Latin incentvum, from neuter of incentvus, inciting, from Latin, setting the tune, from incentus, past participle of incinere, to sound : in-, intensive pref. ; see in-² + canere, to sing; see kan- in Indo-European roots