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

The streaming potency of the 2014 film helped motivate the decision by Disney to mobilize a Moana streaming series for Disney+, which was then refashioned into a theatrical sequel. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025

Chinese authorities have dismissed speculation about COVID’s origins as unhelpful and motivated by politics. —David Klepper, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025

Chinese authorities have in the past dismissed speculation about COVID’s origins as unhelpful and motivated by politics. —David Klepper, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025

Providing certifications or recognition for completing training is another great way to motivate everyone to engage with the solution. —Michael Amori, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

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