motivate

verb

mo·​ti·​vate ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce motivate (audio)
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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Zack Barnes, a professor of education and former middle school teacher, said initiatives that motivate children to read widely—especially books that challenge norms—can be critical for development. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 The woman was motivated to return the item after hearing of other recent incidents in which relics had been returned to Greece from Germany, according to the announcement. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 But for all that lean bulkers profess online that their physical changes serve their health, many of them are primarily motivated by aesthetics. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025 Sober and motivated to get his life back on track, Marshall can’t quite let go of his past with Alice. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for motivate

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motivate was in 1836

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivate. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

motivate

verb
mo·​ti·​vate ˈmōt-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce motivate (audio)
motivated; motivating
: to provide with a reason for doing something : induce

Medical Definition

motivate

transitive verb
mo·​ti·​vate ˈmōt-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce motivate (audio)
motivated; motivating
: to provide with a motive or serve as a motive for
motivate patients to change unhealthy lifestyles
motivative adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on motivate

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