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 former San Diego State standout showcasing the skills that motivated the Dolphins to select him with the draft’s 27th pick. — Omar Kelly august 15, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026

Some will still choose academia, motivated by teaching, research or public service. — Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

While racially motivated, Jones may not have known that the Ravens fired John Harbaugh and hired Jesse Minter. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

For Giants manager Tony Vitello, keeping his players motivated hasn’t been an issue. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 13 Aug. 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