Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Motivate \Mo"ti*vate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {-vated}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {-vating}.] [From {Motive}, n.]
   To provide with a motive; to move; impel; induce; incite. --
   {Mo`ti*va"tion}, n. --William James.

Source : WordNet®

motivate
     v : give an incentive for action; "This moved me to sacrifice my
         career" [syn: {actuate}, {propel}, {move}, {prompt}, {incite}]