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

“I think that he is kind of motivated by it. ‘

Read more on Salon

But they also point out that there are people who they exposed in the criminal network that are not in need - they seem to be motivated by greed.

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Robins believes that state lawmakers will be motivated to expand sports betting within their borders once they see constituents participating in a form of sports betting that brings no money into state coffers.

Read more on Barron's

She said he was being sentenced on the basis he was not "ideologically driven but motivated by money".

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The timing motivated both sides to quickly reach a deal rather than risk alienating customers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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