motivate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To provide someone with an incentive to do something; to encourage; to actuate.

   The weekly staff meeting was meant to motivate employees.

2. 2
   verb

   To animate; to propel; to cause to take action.

   He was motivated purely by self-interest.

3. 3
   verb

   give an incentive for action

Etymology

From motive + -ate (verb-forming suffix). Compare French motiver.