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
His former classmates have been left trying to understand what could have motivated the brutal violence.
—
Duarte Mendonca, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
For Claire, that sense of purpose — the chance to motivate and encourage others — is what makes wearing the uniform, interacting with fans, and participating in community events so meaningful.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
Dicus and Wallen did not provide details of what motivated Wallen to crash into Saldovar because of the case is still working through the court system.
—Zach Boetto, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
And having to motivate myself, having to play through injuries and everything that has been going on.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivate
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Duarte Mendonca, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
For Claire, that sense of purpose — the chance to motivate and encourage others — is what makes wearing the uniform, interacting with fans, and participating in community events so meaningful.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
Dicus and Wallen did not provide details of what motivated Wallen to crash into Saldovar because of the case is still working through the court system.
—Zach Boetto, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
And having to motivate myself, having to play through injuries and everything that has been going on.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 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 26 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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