self-direct

verb

self-di·​rect ˌself-də-ˈrekt How to pronounce self-direct (audio)
-dī-
self-directed; self-directing; self-directs
1
a
transitive : to direct or manage (something, such as one's work, study, or investments) for or by oneself
… the author discusses the basic elements and benefits of self-directing your retirement funds.Mark J. Kohler
… allowing her children to self-direct their education, letting them decide what to learn based on their interests.Katrina J. E. Milton
b
intransitive : to direct or guide oneself : to make choices for or by oneself
Something magical happens by letting kids self-direct. They're happy and moving and healthy.Grant Segall
2
transitive + intransitive : to serve as the director of something (such as a play) in which one also performs
… decided to self-direct two one-act plays in lieu of the fall musical.The Colchester (Vermont) Sun
With their new company, they are also able to self-direct and produce.Nicole S. Colson
self-directing adjective
self-directing investors
The purpose of 4-H is to help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive members of society. Northern Wyoming Daily News
self-direction noun
Creating jobs that allow for self-direction, for independent thought and judgment, can make people more supportive and flexible at home. Adam Grant

Examples of self-direct in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Unlike other psychedelics that are paired with therapy, though, the ibogaine trip itself is essentially internal and self-directed. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2024 With a free flow of critical information, our people can better self-direct their work toward communally beneficial outcomes. Anni Hallila, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2023 With the rise of streaming came more opportunities for listening that, if not entirely self-directed, was at least less gate-kept than shrinking and increasingly throwback-centric radio playlists. Maura Johnston, BostonGlobe.com, 27 July 2023 The rapper self-directed the clip, which sees the pair vacationing in the woods. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2023 Some were homeschooled or come from alternative educational backgrounds that led them to be self-directed in their schooling. Jocelyn Gecker, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-direct.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-direct was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near self-direct

Cite this Entry

“Self-direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-direct. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!