Main Entry: mo·ti·vate

Pronunciation: \ˈmōt-ə-ˌvāt\

Function: transitive verb

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

: to provide with a motive or serve as a motive for <motivate patients to change unhealthy lifestyles>

—mo·ti·va·tive \-ˌvāt-iv\ adjective