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directive

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

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

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

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

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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 warnings include directives to supervise children and pets near the water, avoid algae blooms and trash and shower after swimming.

— taryn luna, sacbee, "E. coli levels drop at popular Sacramento beach | The Sacramento Bee," 21 Apr. 2018
Allant Group gives its global clients high-level analysis of their existing and potential customers, so the company has a vested interest in understanding the new European directive.

— cathy cunningham, chicagotribune.com, "Column: How European Union rules on data privacy will help people in the U.S.," 18 Apr. 2018
The Trump administration will pressure U.S. immigration judges to process cases faster by establishing a quota system tied to their annual performance reviews, according to new Justice Department directives.

— washington post, latimes.com, "Trump administration, seeking to speed deportations, plans to impose quotas on immigration judges," 3 Apr. 2018
However officials cautioned that the new directive does not mean that all pregnant women will be detained.

— washington post, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump administration ends automatic release from detention for pregnant women," 29 Mar. 2018
In a report accompanying the new directive on Friday, the Pentagon said that 8,980 service members who identified as transgender were currently serving, and that 937 of those people had been given a diagnosis of gender dysphoria.

— helene cooper, New York Times, "Critics See Echoes of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in Military Transgender Ban," 28 Mar. 2018
YouTube did not say when the policy change went into effect or when the new directive was issued, although news of the update went viral within pro-second amendment forums over the last 24 hours.

— gillian edevane, Newsweek, "YouTube Clamps Down on Gun Videos, Angering Content Creators," 21 Mar. 2018
Here divisions also have emerged after gun tragedies and efforts to rein in use – and the story is not settled as a new gun-control directive comes from the European Union.

— sara miller llana, The Christian Science Monitor, "Switzerland has lots of guns. But its gun culture takes different path from US.," 7 Mar. 2018
Williams didn't detail how his office will carry out a new federal directive stripping legal protections for marijuana businesses.

— noelle crombie, OregonLive.com, "US Attorney for Oregon says state has 'formidable' problem with black market marijuana," 2 Feb. 2018

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

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

directive Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Near Antonyms

appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging;

proposal, recommendation, suggestion;

Related Words

demand, requirement;

countermand, counterorder;

law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule;

ordinance, regulation, statute;

DIRECTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

directive

noun

Definition of directive for English Language Learners

: an official order or instruction

Medical Dictionary

directive

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