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 difference between the two, is that Nikola seemingly has to be motivated to maximize his potential. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

Lee’s film is motivated less by anger and more by curiosity, compassion and a general confusion, as no one quite knows how to behave or feel or just be. — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Dubrow also mentioned Kris Jenner’s recent facelift, which may have motivated women to seek out the procedure based on her results. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Big emotional movies are always going to motivate people to cast a vote; look no further than Hamnet winning People’s Choice last year. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for motivate

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

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