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

For all his success, Sienkiewicz has never lost the sense of wonder at being able to do work that motivates himself personally. — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Rather than accepting those conditions, Johannes says the experience motivated him to find solutions. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026

China’s determination to copy that model ought to inspire and motivate us. — Craig Garthwaite, Fortune, 24 July 2026

Some will be motivated to do so after engaging with soccer for the first time in June and July, during the World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. — Kamran Nia july 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 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