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

Pundits thought we were still motivated by the radical politics of the Chicano movement, as previous generations were. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

The memory both haunts and motivates Pugh’s Cathy throughout the series. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026

Baker has also been around Antetokounmpo long enough to know that Antetokounmpo is motivated entering his first season with the Heat. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

Monnier said family offices might be motivated to hold onto liquid but inflation-sensitive assets in order to maintain flexibility to invest later or as a defensive play. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 24 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