motivate

verb

mo·​ti·​vate ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt 

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.

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

But, at the end of the day, what is motivating her is, yes, status in society, but also comfort and freedom for her daughter. —Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025

No doubt personal benefits, such as helping others, supporting important causes, etc., all motivate charitable giving. —Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

There are still questions about what motivated the shooter at that Trump rally in Butler and also the miscommunication and poor planning on the part of the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies. —CBS News, 13 July 2025

Citing The Wrap at the time, Vanity Fair reported that DeGeneres told friends her move was motivated by the presidential election. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 13 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for motivate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

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