misdirect
verb (used with object)
to direct or address wrongly or incorrectly.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"But I think you are misdirecting your efforts, and wasting your time," said L'Isle.
From The Actress in High Life An Episode in Winter Quarters by Sue Petigru Bowen