motivate

verb mo·ti·vate \ ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt \

Definition of motivate

motivated; motivating

transitive verb

:to provide with a motive :impel

questions that excite and motivate youth

She was motivated by a desire to help children.

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motivative

play \-ˌvā-tiv\ adjective

—

motivator

play \-ˌvā-tər\ noun

See motivate defined for English-language learners

See motivate defined for kids

Examples of motivate in a Sentence

No one knows what motivated him to act in such a violent way.

Recent Examples of motivate from the Web

The National Prosecuting Authority has been probing the unit in an investigation that Gordhan, opposition parties and civil-society groups say is politically motivated.

— sam mkokeli, Bloomberg.com, "South African Probe Raises Stakes in Conflict With Zuma," 30 Aug. 2017
BANGKOK (AP) — Facing a possible 10-year prison term, former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has reportedly fled the country ahead of a court verdict her supporters say is politically motivated.

— todd pitman, The Seattle Times, "Official: Embattled ex-PM flees Thailand ahead of verdict," 25 Aug. 2017
Other experts hope that the study will motivate Pakistani authorities to test wells in high-risk areas and warn communities.

— giorgia guglielmi, Science | AAAS, "Arsenic in drinking water threatens up to 60 million in Pakistan," 23 Aug. 2017
The right response is to use that fear to motivate vigilance and preparedness.

— randy dotinga, The Christian Science Monitor, "'Quakeland' author Kathryn Miles on why there's a lot more shaky ground than we realize," 18 Aug. 2017
Terrorist groups motivated by a particularly toxic interpretation of Islam remain strong, and in fact have emerged in new places.

— barry r. posen, The Atlantic, "It's Time To Make Afghanistan Someone Else's Problem," 18 Aug. 2017
I couldn't have asked for a more amazing, supportive, motivating and inspirational group of people.

— free press staff, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Free Press marathon runner of the week: Rami Saad," 17 Aug. 2017
Media reports and social media posts from Virginia motivated Dreyer and her friends to draw up signs denouncing hate and stand on the corner near the infamous Kansas City fountain.

— toriano porter, kansascity, "Protesters near J.C. Nichols Fountain in KC denounce white nationalist rally in Virginia," 12 Aug. 2017
Joseph, perhaps motivated by the addition of Hoskins, tied the game at 4 with an RBI double in the third.

— matt breen, Philly.com, "Hector Neris gives up fateful run in ninth as Phillies lose to Mets, 7-6," 12 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'motivate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of motivate

1836

MOTIVATE Defined for English Language Learners

motivate

verb

Definition of motivate for English Language Learners

: to give (someone) a reason for doing something
: to be a reason for (something)

MOTIVATE Defined for Kids

motivate

verb mo·ti·vate \ ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt \

Definition of motivate for Students

motivated; motivating

:to give or be a reason for doing something

Prizes motivated him to join the contest.

Medical Dictionary

motivate

transitive verb mo·ti·vate \ ˈmōt-ə-ˌvāt \

medical Definition of motivate

motivated; motivating

:to provide with a motive or serve as a motive for

motivate patients to change unhealthy lifestyles

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motivative

play \-ˌvāt-iv\ adjective

Learn More about motivate

See words that rhyme with motivate Spanish Central: Translation of motivate Nglish: Translation of motivate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of motivate for Arabic speakers

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Examples of motivate in a Sentence

Recent Examples of motivate from the Web

First Known Use of motivate

MOTIVATE Defined for English Language Learners

motivate

Definition of motivate for English Language Learners

MOTIVATE Defined for Kids

motivate

Definition of motivate for Students

Medical Dictionary

motivate

medical Definition of motivate

motivative

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