noun
Technical term for the force or power that sets something in motion; used in physics, engineering, and figurative contexts.
この機械の起動力は電動モーターによって供給される。
The motive power of this machine is supplied by an electric motor.
彼の演説が改革の起動力となった。
His speech became the impetus for reform.
Compound of 起動 (starting, activation) and 力 (power, force). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning.