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

To increase the supply of debt buyers—with individuals motivated by a tax-free incentive, for example—allows governments to borrow more without facing higher market interest. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2025

Or need a gift that motivates a loved one to start baking? —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

Spira was adept at corralling and motivating talent and staff alike – a valuable skill set for a man known for his nearly 20 grandchildren. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 28 Nov. 2025

However, the white paper justifies China's development of missile defense capabilities, saying it is motivated solely by self-defense and does not target any country or region. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 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