prime mover

noun

1. Mechanics.
   1. the initial agent, as wind or electricity, that puts a machine in motion.
   2. a machine, as a water wheel or steam engine, that receives and modifies energy as supplied by some natural source.
2. means of towing a cannon, as an animal, truck, or tractor.
3. Also called unmoved mover. Aristotelianism. that which is the first cause of all movement and does not itself move.
4. a person or thing that initiates or gives power and cohesion to something, as an idea, endeavor, or organization.

prime mover

¹

noun

1. the original or primary force behind an idea, enterprise, etc
2. 1. the source of power, such as fuel, wind, electricity, etc, for a machine
   2. the means of extracting power from such a source, such as a steam engine, electric motor, etc
3. (in the philosophy of Aristotle) that which is the cause of all movement

Prime Mover

²

noun

1. the Prime Mover
   philosophy God, esp when considered as a first cause

Word History and Origins

Origin of prime mover¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Idioms and Phrases

The initial source of energy directed toward a goal, someone or something that sets others in motion. For example, Jean was the prime mover in getting us more laboratory space , or Patriotism was the prime mover of the revolution . [Late 1600s]

Example Sentences

That spirit, the Columbia University professor suggested, “may even have been the prime mover in the development of language itself.”

From Time

He has been considered a kingmaker, a prime mover behind Republican candidates from Corbett to 2018’s GOP gubernatorial nominee Scott Wagner, as well as dozens more down-ballot candidates.

From Ozy

He was a prime mover behind the Saudi military intervention in Bahrain a year ago to smash an incipient Shia reform movement.

From The Daily Beast

Leo is strategic, the queen on the chessboard, the prime mover of the zodiac.

From The Daily Beast

Vestas has clearly been the prime mover in WindMade and they both deserve and have received credit for that.

From The Daily Beast

The prime mover behind the show, Andy Valmorbida, who is now 30, moved with his family to Manhattan when he was in his mid teens.

From The Daily Beast

In every direction but one he turns, and that is the direction where lies the prime mover of his toil, his subject.

From Project Gutenberg

Hookey, it seemed probable, was the prime mover; and I felt satisfied we should see him again.

From Project Gutenberg

That is true, too,—although I somehow think Merrick is the prime mover in this swindle.

From Project Gutenberg

If those shutters ever open I think you'll have to be the prime mover.

From Project Gutenberg

The prime mover in this case is evidently steam, an agent sufficiently powerful for the phenomena.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• instigator
• motivator
• mover