motivate

American  

[moh-tuh-veyt] / ˈmoʊ təˌveɪt /

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

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motivate British  

/ ˈməʊtɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to give incentive to

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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

A simple risk-free financial transaction, however, could motivate owners to sell by allowing them to realize the value in their below-market mortgages.

From The Wall Street Journal

Buyers of silver can be motivated by a mix of factors.

From The Wall Street Journal

The same drive that has guided them through their own harrowing journeys is what motivated them to form Barrio Power.

From Los Angeles Times

To listen to the moderates—and the press that glorified their move—they were motivated by deep compassion.

From The Wall Street Journal

He took time to see "whether I'm motivated or it's the best decision for me" to return for the final year of his contract and "take on all of that responsibility".

From BBC

Related Words

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