motivator
UK: ˈməʊtɪveɪtə | US: ˈmoʊtɪveɪtər
n. a person or thing that motivates or inspires action
n. (psychology) a stimulus or incentive that drives behavior
The word "motivator" traces back to the Latin motivus ("pertaining to movement"), derived from movere ("to move"). The root "motive" entered English via Old French, originally meaning "a cause or reason for action." The suffix "-ate" (from Latin -atus) forms verbs, while "-or" (Latin -or) denotes an agent or doer. Thus, "motivator" literally means "one who causes movement or action," evolving to its modern sense of an inspiring force.
A good teacher acts as a motivator for students to pursue knowledge.
Financial rewards can be a powerful motivator in the workplace.
She served as the primary motivator behind the team’s success.
The coach’s speech was a strong motivator before the championship game.
Intrinsic curiosity is often a more sustainable motivator than external pressure.