'incentivize' originates from English, specifically formed from the noun 'incentive' and the verb-forming suffix '-ize'. 'Incentive' itself comes from Late Latin 'incentivum', ultimately related to Latin 'incitare' meaning 'to incite' or 'to spur on'.

'incentivize' was created in modern English by adding the productive suffix '-ize' to 'incentive' (from Late Latin 'incentivum' and Latin 'incitare'), becoming established as a verb in the 20th century.

Initially, 'incentive' meant 'something that spurs on or incites'; over time the verb 'incentivize' developed to mean 'to provide incentives or make something attractive in order to motivate action'.