direct

¹di·rect

verb \də-ˈrekt, dī-\

Definition of DIRECT

transitive verb

1

a obsolete : to write (a letter) to a person b : to mark with the name and address of the intended recipient c : to impart orally d : to adapt in expression so as to have particular applicability <arguments directed at the emotions>

2

a : to regulate the activities or course of b : to carry out the organizing, energizing, and supervising of <direct a project> c : to dominate and determine the course of d : to train and lead performances of <direct a movie>

3

: to cause to turn, move, or point undeviatingly or to follow a straight course <X-rays directed through the body>

4

: to point, extend, or project in a specified line or course <direct the nozzle down>

5

: to request or enjoin with authority <the judge directed the jury to acquit>

6

: to show or point out the way for <signs directing us to the entrance>

intransitive verb

1

: to point out, prescribe, or determine a course or procedure

2

: to act as director

Examples of DIRECT

1. Be sure that the water nozzle is directed downward.
2. The sloping ground helps direct water away from the home.
3. Let me direct your attention to the book's second chapter.
4. We were asked to direct our thoughts and prayers to the people who survived the disaster.
5. The students directed their efforts toward improving their community.
6. A lot of the criticism has been directed toward the concert's organizers.
7. He is responsible for directing the activities of the sales team.
8. In my current position, I direct a staff of over 200 employees.
9. We need someone to direct traffic.

Origin of DIRECT

Middle English, from Anglo-French directer, from Latin directus straight, from past participle of dirigere to direct — more at dress

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DIRECT

Synonyms: canalize, channelize, conduct, channel, funnel, pipe, siphon (also syphon)

Antonyms: mind, obey

Related Words: carry, convey, transmit; concentrate, consolidate, focus

Near Antonyms: comply (with), follow, keep, observe

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at command, conduct

Rhymes with DIRECT

abject, advect, affect, aspect, bisect, cathect, collect, confect, connect, convect, correct, cowl-necked, defect, deflect, deject, detect, Dordrecht, effect, eject, elect, erect, ewe-necked, expect, goosenecked, infect, inflect, inject, insect, inspect, neglect, object, pandect, porrect, prefect, prelect, project, prospect, protect, refect, reflect, reject, resect, respect, ring-necked, roll-necked, select, stiff-necked, subject, suspect, traject, transect, trisect, Utrecht, V-necked