motivate

[ moh-tuh-veyt ]

verb (used with object)

, mo·ti·vat·ed, mo·ti·vat·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈmotiˌvator, noun

Other Words From

• mo·ti·va·tor noun
• de·mo·ti·vate verb (used with object) demotivated demotivating
• non·mo·ti·vat·ed adjective
• re·mo·ti·vate verb (used with object) remotivated remotivating
• un·mo·ti·vat·ed adjective
• un·mo·ti·vat·ing adjective
• well-mo·ti·vat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of motivate¹

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

Example Sentences

Boyer said he suspects the charges are politically motivated, brought by those who don’t appreciate him questioning the status quo.

From Los Angeles Times

"Even for those who recognize the threat and are consequently highly concerned, many lack the sense of efficacy required to motivate engagement."

From Salon

Investigators said they believe the gunman targeted the school because of its affiliation with the church and was motivated as a response to the war in Gaza.

From BBC

This - along with the fact that his government was dogged by corruption allegations, which he dismissed as politically motivated - led to him failing to win a second term in 2017.

From BBC

"It's changed my life... It's completely changed my attitude to food," she said, adding that she also had felt motivated to go to the gym and take up weightlifting.

From BBC

Related Words

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