directive

adjective

di·rec·tive | \ də-ˈrek-tiv

, dī-\

Definition of directive

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence a directive method

2 : serving to point direction specifically : directional sense 1b directive microphones

3 psychology : of or relating to psychotherapy or counseling in which the counselor introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client

directive

noun

Definition of directive (Entry 2 of 2)

: something that serves to direct, guide, and usually impel toward an action or goal especially, government : an authoritative order or instrument issued by a high-level body or official a presidential directive

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Examples of directive in a Sentence

Noun

They received a written directive instructing them to develop new security measures. the company president regularly issues directives intended for all staff members

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

What followed was a flurry of directive fingers from shoppers helping guide officers to the location of all three fleeing perps. — Kim Fu, The Mercury News, "Three Antioch residents nabbed in brazen liquor burglary attempt foiled by Vacaville police," 10 July 2019 Most intriguingly, the new app will take a more directive approach to making suggestions to drivers about where to go and what to do. — Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, "3 Million Uber Drivers Are About to Get a New Boss," 10 Apr. 2018 Garcetti signed a directive two weeks ago prohibiting all city employees from using public resources to aide federal civil immigration actions. — The Washington Post, The Denver Post, "Attorney General Sessions seeks greater role for Justice Department in immigration enforcement," 1 Apr. 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Lawmakers with Portugal’s center-right Social Democratic Party questioned the wisdom of the directive. — Barry Hatton, San Diego Union-Tribune, "New school transgender rules fire debate in Portugal," 22 Aug. 2019 So why not embrace moon shot as a metaphor rather than a directive, an inspirational shorthand for pouring energy and resources into a nasty problem? — Adam Rogers, WIRED, "Why 'Moon Shot' Has No Place in the 21st Century," 16 July 2019 The Office of Immigrant Affairs in New York tweeted a link Friday advising immigrants of their rights in light of Trump's directive. — Fox News, "Officials: Agents in impending ICE raid shouldn't expect cooperation from local authorities," 22 June 2019 If Trump ordered the Air Force to prop up his failing resort, there must be a long chain of intermediaries who took this directive from the president and passed it down the line. — Kyle Smith, National Review, "Politico Doubles Down on Fake Turnberry Scandal," 13 Sep. 2019 This directive is strictly enforced without exception,’’ said a statement from Netanyahu’s bureau. — BostonGlobe.com, "According to the report, which cited three anonymous former senior US officials ‘‘with knowledge of the matter,’’ the equipment — devices that mimic cell towers, fooling cellphones into giving them their locations and identity information — was discovered some time ago.," 13 Sep. 2019 Mohamed said, referring to a 2018 directive on border searches of electronic devices. — Hannan Adely, USA TODAY, "NJ mayor says he was asked whether he met with terrorists upon return from Turkey," 8 Sep. 2019 All told, Great Hall in its July claims requested $288.1 million in extra compensation, attributing $121.4 million of that to the delays from the concrete issue and $166.7 million to the airport change directives. — Jon Murray, The Denver Post, "Denver airport construction: Fired Great Hall contractors sought $288 million to finish work, new documents show," 14 Aug. 2019 Scott later said that Dixon did not intend to sway the officials, even though his opinions may have been taken as a directive. — Arizona Daily Star, azcentral, "Pac-12 changes officiating policy after 2018 targeting controversy," 24 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'directive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.