an|treiben
Translation
to drive, to power, to motivate, to propel
Examples
Ein Motor treibt das Auto an.
A motor drives the car.
Was treibt dich an?
What motivates you?
Der Wind treibt die Mühle an.
The wind powers the mill.
Grammar Patterns
to drive/power ((sth.)) A motor drives the car.
to motivate/spur ((sb.)) ((to sth.)) Ambition drives him to top performance.
Similar Words
Synonyms: motivieren, bewegen, anspornen; Antonyms: bremsen, aufhalten
Etymology
From the prefix 'an' (on, at) and the verb 'treiben' (to drive). Literally 'to drive on'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'driving on' a machine (to power it) or 'driving on' a person (to motivate them).