motivate

[ moh-tuh-veyt ]
/ ˈmoʊ təˌveɪt /

verb (used with object), mo·ti·vat·ed, mo·ti·vat·ing.

to provide with a motive, or a cause or reason to act; incite; impel.

Origin of motivate

First recorded in 1860–65; motive + -ate1

SYNONYMS FOR motivate

induce, move, provoke, prompt, cause.

OTHER WORDS FROM motivate

Words nearby motivate

motion picture, motion sickness, motion study, motion work, motionless, motivate, motivation, motivation research, motivational research, motive, motive power

British Dictionary definitions for well-motivated (1 of 2)

well-motivated

adjective (well motivated when postpositive)

(of a person, intention, etc) have sufficient incentive, desire, or drive

British Dictionary definitions for well-motivated (2 of 2)

motivate
/ (ˈməʊtɪˌveɪt) /

verb

(tr) to give incentive to

Derived forms of motivate

motivator, noun