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

Zach Sieler, 30, had two terrific run stops in the fourth quarter, but is there anything that would motivate the Dolphins to pay him any of the nonguaranteed $44 million he’s owed between 2027 and 2029? — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2026

Ballmer’s apology could be motivated by the hope that the NBA will eventually reduce the punishment. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Many athletes are motivated by a deep hatred of losing, more so than a love of winning. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The travelers drawn to my trips are discerning, endlessly curious, and motivated by experiences that matter. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for motivate

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

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