motivate

verb

mo·​ti·​vate ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt 

motivated; motivating

transitive verb

1

: to give (someone) a reason for doing something

questions that excite and motivate youth

She was motivated by a desire to help children.

2

: to be a reason for something

said that money did not motivate their decision

motivative

ˈmō-tə-ˌvā-tiv 

adjective

Examples of motivate in a Sentence

No one knows what motivated him to act in such a violent way.

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s something motivating about having this low, electronic drumbeat pushing you along, trying to go faster and faster and faster. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026

Every type of gardening helps the environment, no matter what motivates you to garden. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Jan. 2026

Only a small percentage of its insiders remain true believers; the majority are motivated by wealth and privilege. —Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026

Beyond the recent bickering, Republicans have appeared to either endorse or allow bigoted attitudes to motivate the core conservative agenda – primarily their immigration policy. —Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for motivate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

motivate

verb

mo·​ti·​vate ˈmōt-ə-ˌvāt 

motivated; motivating

: to provide with a reason for doing something : induce

Medical Definition

motivate

transitive verb

mo·​ti·​vate ˈmōt-ə-ˌvāt 

motivated; motivating

: to provide with a motive or serve as a motive for

motivate patients to change unhealthy lifestyles

motivative

-ˌvāt-iv 

adjective