Incentivize

A corporate-jargon non-word meaning "motivate," coined in 1968. Some 10 years later, it was shortened to the equally annoying verb "incent." Unfortunately, both are recognized by both Merriam-Webster and the OED.

The only respectable form of the word is the noun "incentive."

I would like to motivate him to never say "incentivize" again by telling him I will rip his windpipe out of his throat the next time I hear him say it.

I hope everyone who says "incentivize" in earnest knows they come across as a jargon-spewing ahole.

by StephakneeSays August 5, 2008

incentivize

Verb, apparently. American version of the much simpler root word "incent".

Why they can't seem to cope with this much simpler word, I don't know.. obviously doesn't sound important enough.

From dictionary.com (yes, that's right, it's listed - to make matters worse, their definition of "incent" says, "to incentivize"):

"This bill will help incentivize everybody to solve that part of the problem” (Richard A. Gephardt)."

How absurd is that. Gah.

by Grammar Police Sgt Killgore October 15, 2004

Napoleon Incentive

When one's own self inadequacies lead one to be more ambitious and successful. Similar to the Napoleon Complex, which states that one of short stature may be more aggressive and domineering. It is named after Napoleon because he was of short stature, but was massively ambitious and successful, which many shorter men have to do in order to make up for their short stature.

Brett suffered from the Napoleon Complex and was bitter. His friend, Dave, had a Napoleon Incentive and decided to become more confident and funny to compensate for his height.

by SithLordTrevor November 2, 2021

incentive

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

Jake was promised free entry into the bar if he mowed the lawn for his neighbor.

by Ryan Thompson July 19, 2004

under-the-desk incentive

the act of furthering your career by engaging in an inappropriate act with your manager or boss.

Chuck was planning on firing Sally until she unzipped his pants and gave him an under-the-desk incentive. She not only kept her job, she also got a raise.

by Chase Smith January 25, 2007

incentivate

To motivate, same as incentivize, but it sounds better.

We're going to incentivate the employees with cash rewards, raises, promotions and holidays.

by Dipshito May 7, 2007

incentize

verb
What the boss likes to say when he's explaining how to get your business partners to act in what he thinks is your best interest. It falls somewhere between "encourage" and "coerce". Ironically, whatever it is he's trying to "incentize" them to do is in their best interest anyway, so "incentization" really isn't required at all.

"We need to incentize them to only buy the number of parking places they need."
"Why would they buy parking places they don't need?"
"That's why we incentize them!"

by theghostlight October 9, 2008