driving

adjective

: falling or blowing with great force and speed

—used in the phrase driving force to describe the person or thing that causes or controls something

Full Definition of DRIVING

a : communicating force <a driving wheel>

b : exerting pressure <a driving influence>

a : having great force <a driving rain> <a driving beat>

b : acting with vigor : energetic <a hard-driving worker>

See driving defined for English-language learners

14th century

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