1. to provide with a reason or incentive for doing something
2. to cause someone to want to do something well or succeed

Examples

• The coach tried to motivate his team before the big game.
• Higher salaries can motivate employees to work harder.
• She was motivated by her desire to help others.
• The teacher used games to motivate her students to learn.
• Fear of failure motivated him to study every night.
• What motivated you to choose this career path?
• The inspiring speech motivated the audience to take action.