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
That will complicate Garrett's path to a sack, but rest assured the soon-to-be 30-year-old will be motivated to break the record.
—
Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
The key is getting kids motivated, and experts consulted by The San Diego Union-Tribune shared tips for fun, engaging ways families can do that with readers of all ages.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
Hilary Wardhaugh / Getty Images Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead in the attack, but his son Naveed Akram is charged with murder and terrorism, with police saying he was recorded saying he was motivated by the Quran.
—Reuters, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025
The decision to eliminate the paywall was motivated by a recent change in the universal perception of wellness.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motivate
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Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
The key is getting kids motivated, and experts consulted by The San Diego Union-Tribune shared tips for fun, engaging ways families can do that with readers of all ages.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025
Hilary Wardhaugh / Getty Images Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead in the attack, but his son Naveed Akram is charged with murder and terrorism, with police saying he was recorded saying he was motivated by the Quran.
—Reuters, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025
The decision to eliminate the paywall was motivated by a recent change in the universal perception of wellness.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 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 28 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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