treibend
Treibend is a German adjective formed from treiben (to drive, propel). It describes something that provides propulsion, momentum, or impetus. In everyday language it can refer to a mechanical drive or any force that causes motion, as in treibendes Rad or treibende Kräfte im System. Etymologically, it comes from treiben; treibend is the present participle and is used both attributively and predicatively.
In physics and engineering, treibend describes forces or components that generate motion or propulsion, such as
In figurative use, treibend describes motivations or factors that drive processes, for example treibende Kräfte der
Variants and usage notes: treibend can be used with nouns such as Kraft, Motor, Antrieb, or Energie.