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

"I'm hopeful that the major social media companies seeing this full-throated legislative action come into play will finally be motivated to more meaningfully protect the health and wellbeing of young people."

From Barron's

For Kiffin, the decision to walk out on the chance to coach Ole Miss in the playoff came down to the one factor that motivates almost everything in college football: money.

From The Wall Street Journal

Garcia says his tactics are motivated by an allergy to bullies.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, commercial pressures motivate shippers to push boundaries, raising the risk of accidents, oil spills or getting stuck in ice.

From The Wall Street Journal

"They might have ideological motives but they're more motivated by profit," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

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