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

Whether that will motivate more voters to turn out in agricultural states where traditionally Republican seats are now seen as competitive is unclear. — Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Encouraging younger generations to get involved Mantovani said his experience has also motivated him to encourage younger Americans, particularly first-time voters, not to let uncertainty about the electoral process prevent them from participating. — Sabrina Lozano, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

A number of the candidates motivated by HB 5468 are from rural communities, where homeschooling and farming can go together. — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026

Sean McVay’s decision to keep two kickers on the roster is partially motivated by the Rams’ playoff chances being in perilous place. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 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