motivate

[moh-tuh-veyt]

verb (used with object)

motivated, motivating 

1. to provide with a motive, or a cause or reason to act; incite; impel.

   Synonyms: cause, prompt, provoke, move, induce

motivate

/ ˈməʊtɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to give incentive to

Other Word Forms

• motivator noun
• demotivate verb (used with object)
• nonmotivated adjective
• remotivate verb (used with object)
• unmotivated adjective
• unmotivating adjective
• well-motivated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of motivate¹

First recorded in 1860–65; motive + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Instead of focusing on money, it might be helpful to evaluate whether you find someone motivating and inspiring.

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“It kind of motivated me to be a little bit better,” Doncic told Men’s Health last month.

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The threat of tariffs motivated behaviors and “clearly motivated ours,” Bourla said at the White House press conference announcing the deal.

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And here’s some good news: People who notice their own hypocritical behavior often are motivated to change, says Jeff Stone, a professor of psychological sciences at Northern Arizona University, who has studied the subject.

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This simple exercise helped keep motivated reasoning at bay.

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Related Words

• drive 
• excite 
• galvanize 
• incline 
• inspire 
• persuade 
• prompt 
• propel 
• provoke 
• spark 
• spur 
• sway 
• trigger