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.
But, at the end of the day, what is motivating her is, yes, status in society, but also comfort and freedom for her daughter. Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025 No doubt personal benefits, such as helping others, supporting important causes, etc., all motivate charitable giving. Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 There are still questions about what motivated the shooter at that Trump rally in Butler and also the miscommunication and poor planning on the part of the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies. CBS News, 13 July 2025 Citing The Wrap at the time, Vanity Fair reported that DeGeneres told friends her move was motivated by the presidential election. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 13 July 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 18 Jul. 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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