Motivate

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈməʊtɪveɪt/
• US IPA: /ˈmoÊŠtɪveɪt/

Origin

motive + -ate

Full definition of motivate

Verb

1. (transitive) To provide someone with an incentive to do something; to encourage.
• The weekly staff meeting was meant to motivate employees.
2. (transitive) To animate; to propel; to cause to take action
• He was motivated purely by self-interest.
• Steam motivated pumps are used in manufacturing.

Antonyms

• demotivate

Related terms

• motivated
• motive