motivate
verb
mo·ti·vate
ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt 
motivated; motivating
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
Examples of motivate in a Sentence
No one knows what motivated him to act in such a violent way.
Recent Examples on the Web
If the delays on the Key Bridge rebuild don't motivate calls for better results for taxpayers, nothing will.
—
Editorial Board, Washington Post, 23 May 2026
But analysts note that high gasoline prices do motivate shoppers to select for more fuel-efficient or entirely electric vehicles — if prices stay elevated for a long time.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 22 May 2026
Can people be motivated by an idea like good-enoughness?
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 May 2026
Managing those conversations while keeping the team motivated, maintaining confidentiality, and holding a deal together over six to twelve months is one of the hardest things a business owner will ever do.
—Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivate
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Editorial Board, Washington Post, 23 May 2026
But analysts note that high gasoline prices do motivate shoppers to select for more fuel-efficient or entirely electric vehicles — if prices stay elevated for a long time.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 22 May 2026
Can people be motivated by an idea like good-enoughness?
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 22 May 2026
Managing those conversations while keeping the team motivated, maintaining confidentiality, and holding a deal together over six to twelve months is one of the hardest things a business owner will ever do.
—Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motivate
Cite this Entry
“Motivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivate. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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