Synonyms

motivate

American

[moh-tuh-veyt] / ˈmoʊ təˌveɪt /

verb (used with object)

motivated, motivating

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

Synonyms:

cause, prompt, provoke, move, induce

motivate British

/ ˈməʊtɪˌveɪt /

verb

(tr) to give incentive to

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of motivate

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The BBC understands his position is that he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain.

From BBC

Mandelson has not responded to requests for comment, but the BBC understands that he maintains he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain.

From BBC

Lord Mandelson has not responded to requests for comment but the BBC understands his position is that he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain.

From BBC

He played at Ontario Christian for three years until a coaching change motivated him to transfer to Centennial.

From Los Angeles Times

"It has not been an easy process, but the support from everyone who has followed my case has been essential in keeping me motivates and optimistic throughout these days."

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023