directed

American  

[dih-rek-tid, dahy-] / dɪˈrɛk tɪd, daɪ- /

adjective

1. guided, regulated, or managed.

   a carefully directed program.

2. subject to direction, guidance, regulation, etc.

3. pointed, aimed, or sent toward a place or object.

   Rooms need to have high air exchange rates, rapid air velocities, and directed airflows to minimize particle concentration.

4. Mathematics. (of an angle or vector) having positive or negative direction or orientation assigned.

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directed British  

/ daɪ-, dɪˈrɛktɪd /

adjective

1. maths (of a number, line, or angle) having either a positive or negative sign to distinguish measurement in one direction or orientation from that in the opposite direction or orientation

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Other Word Forms

• directedness
  noun
• overdirected
  adjective
• self-directed
  adjective
• well-directed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of directed

First recorded in 1530–40; direct + -ed ²

Example Sentences

President Donald Trump directed US federal agencies in February to begin identifying and releasing government files related to UFOs and aliens, saying the move was "based on the tremendous interest shown."

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

In court documents filed on Tuesday in California, her team claimed Cameron "directed his design team to use it as the foundation for the character of Neytiri", depicted on screen by Zoe Saldaña.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

There’s been a great deal of hate directed at CNN, and it’s pretty obvious why: The network canceled Stanley Tucci in 2022.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Verdin recounts his interactions with O’Neill as very positive and is surprised by the criticism directed at him.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

The coachman stared straight ahead, but his words were directed at Penelope.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• conducted