misdirect

verb

mis·​di·​rect ˌmis-də-ˈrekt How to pronounce misdirect (audio)
-(ˌ)dī-
misdirected; misdirecting; misdirects

transitive verb

1
: to give a wrong direction to
2
: to direct wrongly
misdirected their energies

Examples of misdirect in a Sentence

Their mail was misdirected to our address. If he tells you he's not interested, he's trying to misdirect you.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Elsewhere, criminal groups are misdirecting trucks carrying RAM in order to loot them. Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026 Suspecting Al-Nourji of trying to misdirect them, the police held him for questioning. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026 The risk is even higher in war zones, where ships could be misdirected into harm’s way. Anna Raymaker, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026 Their request comes after an official race vehicle misdirected the runners off the course, jeopardizing their qualification for the international team. Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misdirect

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misdirect was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misdirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misdirect. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

misdirect

verb
mis·​di·​rect ˌmis-də-ˈrekt How to pronounce misdirect (audio)
-(ˌ)dī-
: to direct incorrectly
misdirection
-ˈrek-shən
noun

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