motive

3 definitions • 7 examples

a reason for doing something:

Why would she have killed him? She has no motive.

Does he have a motive for lying about where he was?

What is the motive behind (= the reason for) the bombing?

I think you should examine/question their motives in offering to lend you the money.

She denies that she has an ulterior (= secret) motive for making the donation.

(of power or force) causing movement or action

a reason for doing something:

Does he have a motive for lying about where he was?

Judy moved to Florida because she likes it there, not for any ulterior motive (= secret reason).