motivator

American  

[moh-tuh-vey-ter] / ˈmoʊ təˌveɪ tər /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• demotivator noun

Etymology

Origin of motivator

motivat(e) ( def. ) + -or ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Safety is the biggest motivator for Steven, who cited cases such as the triple death crash in St Mellons in 2023 when it took police two days to find the car involved.

From BBC

“Abortion was a real motivator for Democrats and independents,” Burden said.

From Seattle Times

He’s a motivator and storyteller who also listens.

From Seattle Times

Republican legislative leaders in Wisconsin, aware that abortion rights are a potent motivator for Democrats, have sought to create some exceptions to the 1849 law, but the effort has made little headway.

From New York Times

Not fearing arrest is a good motivator for seeking help.

From Salon

Related Words

• instigator
• mover