What term describes something that incites action and motivation?

The term that describes something that incites action and motivation is "incentive." Incentives are designed to encourage individuals to take specific actions or to achieve particular goals by offering a benefit or advantage. This can manifest in various forms, such as financial rewards, recognition, or other perks that motivate an individual to perform or behave in a desired manner.

While "motivation" refers to the underlying psychological forces that drive behavior, and "reward" typically refers to the positive outcome received after achieving a goal, "incentive" specifically highlights the external stimuli that compel someone to take action. "Stimulus" can refer to anything that provokes a response but is broader and less specific in terms of the positive reinforcement typically associated with incentives. Therefore, "incentive" more accurately captures the idea of something that incites action and motivation.