motivate
verb
mo·ti·vate
ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt 
motivated; motivating
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
Examples of motivate in a Sentence
No one knows what motivated him to act in such a violent way.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has his team motivated to avenge their 23-10 loss to Notre Dame in the CFP quarterfinal last year.
—
Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
Susan argued that Wilson's career decisions were never motivated by money.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 6 Dec. 2025
Claude says his wife and kids have motivated him.
—Lucas Bogardus, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
Instead, be motivated by a desire to help others.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivate
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Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
Susan argued that Wilson's career decisions were never motivated by money.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 6 Dec. 2025
Claude says his wife and kids have motivated him.
—Lucas Bogardus, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
Instead, be motivated by a desire to help others.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivate
Cite this Entry
“Motivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivate. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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