drive
verb [ T ]
uk/draɪv/ usdrove | drivento cause or influence something:
be driven by sth The country needs to shift from export-led growth to growth driven by domestic demand.
This company is driven by customers and by the markets in which we do our business.
to cause something to progress, develop, or grow stronger:
The firm said it would drive sales by switching into larger premises while closing smaller stores.
The company yesterday reported record iron ore production for the year to June, driven by a construction and manufacturing boom in China.
to force something to happen or someone to do something:
drive sb/sth into/out of/to sth Analysts say these policies will drive the economy into recession.
The prospect of a consumer boom helped drive the stock market to new peaks yesterday.
be in the driving seat UK (also be in the driver's seat)
to be in control of a situation:
With employers fighting among themselves for staff, IT workers are in the driving seat.
He believes there will be consolidation in the airline industry and wants his company to be in the driver's seat of any merger.
drive a hard bargain
to expect a lot in exchange for what you pay or agree to:
The unions are driving a hard bargain on pay.
Phrasal verbs
drive sth down
drive sb/sth out (of sth)
drive sth up
drive
noun
uk/draɪv/ us [ C ]
an effort to achieve something:
drive for sth The supermarket continues in its relentless drive for expansion.
drive to do sth They are expanding their telephone banking service for small businesses in a key part of their drive to cut costs and boost efficiency.
a recruitment/marketing/cost-cutting drive
[ C ] IT
a piece of equipment for reading and storing computer information:
a CD-ROM/DVD drive
[ U ]
energy and determination to achieve things:
We're looking for someone with drive and ambition to fill this important post.
drive to do sth She has the drive to succeed.
See also
disk drive
economy drive
flash drive
hard drive
sales drive
tape drive
test drive