definition of
motivation

[1] #1 motivation n. [motive, need] the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior; "we did not understand his motivation"; "he acted with the best of motives". wn

[2] #2 motivation n. the condition of being motivated; "his motivation was at a high level". wn

[3] #3 motivation n. [motivating] the act of motivating; providing incentive. wn