motivate

verb

mo·​ti·​vate ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt How to pronounce motivate (audio)
motivated; motivating

transitive verb

: to provide with a motive : impel
questions that excite and motivate youth
She was motivated by a desire to help children.
motivative 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Halpin said the program encourages students to attend college in the state, supports higher rates of employment in the state workforce and motivates students to give back to their universities once employed. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025 However, we were always motivated by doing the right thing, defending our work, and honoring our duty to the American people. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 The Whitecaps were motivated for the task at hand, with coach Jesper Sørenson instilling belief in his players to back themselves against any opponent. Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Yet his aesthetic practice was motivated less by rulemaking than by curiosity and wit. Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for motivate

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motivate was in 1836

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivate. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

motivate

verb
mo·​ti·​vate ˈmōt-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce motivate (audio)
motivated; motivating
: to provide with a reason for doing something : induce

Medical Definition

motivate

transitive verb
mo·​ti·​vate ˈmōt-ə-ˌvāt How to pronounce motivate (audio)
motivated; motivating
: to provide with a motive or serve as a motive for
motivate patients to change unhealthy lifestyles
motivative adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on motivate

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