motivate

verb

mo·​ti·​vate ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt 

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

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

Managers should foster a safe environment where employees feel valued and motivated to learn. —Michael Hudson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Keke Palmer is addressing what motivated her and her team to pull the podcast interview with Jonathan Majors following public outcry. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 30 June 2025

The problem was that none of it particularly mattered against a Bayern team this loaded with individual talent, and this motivated to bring it to bear on the pitch. —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 29 June 2025

Another motivating factor is Gi-hun’s ongoing battle of morals with The Front Man/In-ho running the games to entertain the VIPs. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 29 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for motivate

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

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