motivator

[moh-tuh-vey-ter]

noun

1. a person or thing that gives people an incentive or reason for acting.

   He's a great teacher and coach—a master motivator both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

   Money is important, but often it isn't the primary motivator when a candidate accepts a job offer.

Other Word Forms

• demotivator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of motivator¹

motivat(e) ( def. ) + -or ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

These examples stand as warnings from the past, but they should be used as motivators for the here and now.

Read more on BBC

A backup offer can also act as a powerful motivator, encouraging the initial buyer to stay committed and keeping expectations in check throughout the closing process.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“There’s no better motivator knowing every single person left and you’re the ones left,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But your statements were the major motivators of the market’s 13-digit fall on Oct.

Read more on Barron's

If a top manager were just a good coach or motivator, employees would show big gains while serving under the top manager, and the gains would fade once the high-performing leader left the scene.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• instigator 
• mover