motivate UK /ˈməʊ.tɪ.veɪt/US /ˈmoʊ.tɪ.veɪt/ verb2 •To provide someone with an incentive to do something; to encourage; to actuate.The weekly staff meeting was meant to motivate employees. •To animate; to propel; to cause to take action.He was motivated purely by self-interest.Steam-motivated pumps are used in manufacturing. formsmotivated · motivating · motivates