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1

directive

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adjective di·rec·tive \ də-ˈrek-tiv , dī- \

Definition of directive

1 :serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence

a directive method

2 :serving to point direction; specifically :directional 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

Recent Examples of directive from the Web

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

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.

Origin and Etymology of directive

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

2

directive

noun

Definition of directive

: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

See directive defined for English-language learners

See directive defined for kids

Examples of directive in a Sentence

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 of directive from the Web

The southern Oregon case underscores the complexity surrounding the use of advance directives for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

— jonel aleccia, Kaiser Health News, "Despite Advance Directive, Dementia Patient Denied Last Wish, Says Spouse," 21 Aug. 2017
Bearing in mind that ovens and animals are both variable creatures, two of our favorite chefs compressed years of experience into practical directives designed to support your cooking efforts, no matter the dish.

— francine maroukian, Popular Mechanics, "The Two Ways To Cook Meat Perfectly Every Time," 18 Aug. 2017
Colleges are caught between the hammer of constitutional litigation and the anvil of unjust and unlawful directives from the Obama administration.

— david french, National Review, "The New York Times Publishes a Terrible Defense of Campus Kangaroo Courts," 4 Aug. 2017
There has been a bewildering array of directives and pilot programmes since then but little real progress.

— The Economist, "Reform of China’s ailing state-owned firms is emboldening them," 20 July 2017
Rubio said in June after the policy directive was released.

— alex daugherty, miamiherald, "As Trump writes new Cuba rules, anti-embargo politicians present a compromise," 18 July 2017
The directive came a day before U.S. District Judge James Robart is to hold a status hearing on a five-year-old consent decree with the U.S. Justice Department requiring the Police Department to adopt reforms to rectify the use of excessive force.

— steve miletich, The Seattle Times, "Rebuffing union, Mayor Murray orders Seattle police to begin wearing body cameras," 17 July 2017
The directive is of particular importance to Catholics with celiac disease, who may become severely ill after eating even small amounts of gluten.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Vatican Vetoes Gluten-Free Communion Wafers," 12 July 2017
There have been no clear directives from state legislators on the issue, either, Simpson said.

— erika butler, The Aegis, "Harford law enforcement slow to use body cameras," 7 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of directive

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1902

See Words from the same year

directive Synonyms

Synonyms

behest, charge, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, command, do, edict, imperative, injunction, instruction, order, word

Related Words

demand, requirement; mandate; countermand, counterorder; law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule; ordinance, regulation, statute

Near Antonyms

appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging; proposal, recommendation, suggestion

DIRECTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

directive

noun

Definition of directive for English Language Learners

: an official order or instruction

Medical Dictionary

directive

play

adjective di·rec·tive \ də-ˈrek-tiv, dī- \

medical Definition of directive

:of or relating to psychotherapy in which the therapist introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client

Learn More about directive

See words that rhyme with directive Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for directive Spanish Central: Translation of directive Nglish: Translation of directive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of directive for Arabic speakers

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Examples: directive in a Sentence