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

The assassin had become a rational figure, precise in his targeting, legibly motivated, and, crucially, often part of a wider movement or conspiracy to topple those in power. —Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 15 Nov. 2025

The results offer a potentially bleak outlook for the Republican Party in next year's midterm elections, particularly if voters are motivated by economic factors. —Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 14 Nov. 2025

What is needed is a political movement, Hua said, so utilities are no longer motivated by profits from spending capital on power generation growth. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2025

The environment in Provo could be a completely different animal, as the Cougars’ home crowd will be motivated to help BYU keep pace in the CFP and Big 12 title races. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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