Main Entry: mo·ti·vate

Pronunciation: \ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): mo·ti·vat·ed; mo·ti·vat·ing

Date: 1885

: to provide with a motive : impel <questions that excite and motivate youth>

— mo·ti·va·tive \-ˌvā-tiv\ adjective

— mo·ti·va·tor \-ˌvā-tər\ noun