Definition of direct
transitive verb
1a obsolete : to write (a letter) to a personb : to mark with the name and address of the intended recipientc : to impart orally directed the remark to her fellow senatorsd : to adapt in expression so as to have particular applicability arguments directed at the emotions
2a : to regulate the activities or course of directs a staff of over 200 employeesb : to carry out the organizing, energizing, and supervising of direct a project directed a call centerc : to dominate and determine the course of … will not find it preposterous that the past should be altered by the present as much as the present is directed by the past. — T. S. Eliotd : to train and lead performances of direct a movie directing a famous actor
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 downward
5 : to request or enjoin (see enjoin 1) 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 of a show or musical ensemble She both acted and directed in the film.
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Examples of direct in a Sentence
Be sure that the water nozzle is directed downward.
The sloping ground helps direct water away from the home.
Let me direct your attention to the book's second chapter.
We were asked to direct our thoughts and prayers to the people who survived the disaster.
The students directed their efforts toward improving their community.
A lot of the criticism has been directed toward the concert's organizers.
He is responsible for directing the activities of the sales team.
In my current position, I direct a staff of over 200 employees.
We need someone to direct traffic.
Recent Examples of direct from the Web
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Those hoping to catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty were directed to head instead to Lower Manhattan.
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Written by Nashville creator Callie Khouri and directed by Ridley Scott, the story of an Arkansas housewife and a waitress's wild road trip attracted A-list attention from the beginning.
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This is the first flying production the company has done, as both the main character, Mary Poppins, and Bert, a chimney sweep, will take flight during the show, according to Tom Sankey, who has been directing HCST productions for 34 years.
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The 22 percent rating marks a steep drop from the closing years of Obama's presidency, when a median of 64 percent expressed confidence in Obama' ability to direct America's role in the world.
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Then Carr returned and directed two scoring drives to carry the Raiders to a 35-32 victory.
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Bell said that questions may be directed to Airport Manager Marc Baskel at 619-956-4805 or Marc.Baskel@sdcounty.ca.gov.
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As promised by Pruitt in May, the agency has appointed Pope as the point person to whom residents can direct their questions.
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Kaplan is correct to direct attention to Lincoln’s strong advocacy of colonization during the 1850s and the first two years of the Civil War, something many admirers play down or ignore.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'direct'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of direct
Middle English, from Anglo-French directer, from Latin directus straight, from past participle of dirigere to direct — more at dress
Synonym Discussion of direct
conduct, manage, control, direct mean to use one's powers to lead, guide, or dominate. conduct implies taking responsibility for the acts and achievements of a group. conducted negotiations manage implies direct handling and manipulating or maneuvering toward a desired result. manages a meat market control implies a regulating or restraining in order to keep within bounds or on a course. controlling his appetite direct implies constant guiding and regulating so as to achieve smooth operation. directs the store's day-to-day business
direct
Definition of direct
1 astronomy : having or being motion in the general planetary direction from west to east : not retrograde (see 1retrograde 1a(1))
2a : stemming immediately from a source direct resultb : being or passing in a straight line of descent from parent to offspring : lineal direct ancestorc : having no compromising or impairing element a direct insult
3a : proceeding from one point to another in time or space without deviation or interruption : straight a direct lineb : proceeding by the shortest way the direct route
4 : natural, straightforward a direct manner asked him to be more direct was direct in her criticism
5a : marked by absence of an intervening agency, instrumentality, or influence making direct observations of natureb : effected or brought about by the action of the people or the electorate and not by representatives direct democracyc : consisting of or reproducing the exact words of a speaker or writer a direct quotation
6 : characterized by close logical, causal, or consequential relationship direct evidence
7 : capable of dyeing without the aid of a mordant
Examples of direct in a Sentence
I found a more direct route to the city.
That way is more direct.
Keep these plants out of direct sunlight.
The coastline was exposed to the direct force of the hurricane.
The weather had a direct effect on our plans.
There's a direct connection between the two events.
The investigation began in direct response to the newspaper story.
Recent Examples of direct from the Web
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Grill lemon slices over direct heat until lightly browned, about 1 minute per side.
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Many of these voices are responsible for indoctrination rather than direct violence.
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This puts Apple and Google in direct competition, again.
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Back away slowly, avoiding direct eye contact and doing things like talking firmly and raising your hands above your head, so the bear can identify you as a human.
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Daniuschka Rengifo wanted to send a direct message to classmates at Blue Valley North High with her commencement speech: Be brave in the face of fear.
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Online brands such as mattress seller Casper also like Flexe because orders flow through their own websites, letting them maintain a direct relationship with customers.
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The Cahaba lily is found only in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina; the Cahaba Lily requires swift current and direct sunlight to flourish.
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Even stated casually, that would be a direct attack on freedom of the press.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'direct'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of direct
Middle English, from Latin directus —see 1direct
direct
Definition of direct
: in a direct (see 2direct) way: such asa : from point to point without deviation : by the shortest way flew direct to Miamib : from the source without interruption or diversion (see diversion 1) the writer must take his material direct from life — Douglas Stewartc : without an intervening agency (see agency 3) or step buy direct from the manufacturer
Examples of direct in a Sentence
It costs less if you buy it direct from the manufacturer.
flew direct to the coast
Origin and Etymology of direct
see 1direct
DIRECT Defined for English Language Learners
direct
playDefinition of direct for English Language Learners
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: to cause (someone or something) to turn, move, or point in a particular way
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: to cause (someone's attention, thoughts, emotions, etc.) to relate to a particular person, thing, goal, etc.
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: to say (something) to a particular person or group
direct
Definition of direct for English Language Learners
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: going the shortest distance from one place to another : going straight without turning or stopping
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: coming straight from a source
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: coming straight from a cause or reason : connected or related to something in a clear way
direct
Definition of direct for English Language Learners
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: in a straight line without turning or stopping
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: straight from a source with nothing and nobody in between
DIRECT Defined for Kids
Definition of direct for Students
directed
;directing
1 : to cause to point or move in a particular direction Direct your light over here.
2 : to cause to focus on direct your attention
3 : to show or tell the way Signs directed us to the exit.
4 : to put an address on direct a letter
6 : to manage or control the making or activities of direct a play She directs a large company.
Definition of direct for Students
1 : going from one point to another without turning or stopping : straight a direct route
2 : coming straight from a cause or source … the skunk … sprayed Brian with a direct shot … — Gary Paulsen, Hatchet
3 : said or done in a clear and honest way a direct answer
4 : being in an unbroken family line a direct ancestor
5 : 1exact a direct translation a direct hit
directness
nounLaw Dictionary
direct
Legal Definition of direct
1 : to order with authority the testator directed that the car go to his niece
2 : to order entry of (a verdict) without jury consideration the court directed a verdict in favor of the defendant
3 : to act as director of
intransitive verb
: to act as director
direct
Legal Definition of direct
1a : stemming immediately from a source direct costs a direct claim — compare derivative b : being or passing in a straight line from parent to offspring : lineal a direct ancestor — compare collateral
2 : marked by absence of any intervening agency, instrumentality, or influence direct consequences
3 : effected by the action of the people or the electorate and not by representatives direct democracy
4 : characterized by close logical, causal, or consequential relationship a direct interest in the outcome of the litigation
directly
adverbLearn More about direct
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See words that rhyme with direct Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for direct Spanish Central: Translation of direct Nglish: Translation of direct for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of direct for Arabic speakers
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