motivate

verb

SayMOH-ti-vaytUS/ˈmoʊ.tɪ.veɪt/UK/ˈməʊ.tɪ.veɪt/

Formsmotivates, motivating, motivated

2 meanings of motivate

1
verbtransitive
To give someone a reason or a push to do something.
Like a coach cheering you on so you want to play harder.
Good teachers motivate their students to keep trying.
A small reward can motivate kids to finish their homework.
Similarencourage, drive, push, spur, inspire
Oppositediscourage, demotivate, dissuade
2
verbtransitive
To drive someone to act, or to set something in motion.
Like a strong wind that pushes a boat forward.
Fear can motivate people to run from danger.
Her dream of college motivated her to study hard every night.
Similardrive, move, push
Oppositestop, halt, demotivate

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Origin

It comes from the word "motive" plus "-ate", which makes it a verb.