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

The production, directed by Jenny Koons, doubles down on the mystery, not always helpfully.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Trump's order directed the Department of Justice to expedite the process.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

She says her husband directed the suspect to a nearby ridge.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

The film, directed by Douglas Tirola, is assembled from various archival materials; the only talking head belongs to Bernstein himself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Headmarveller Rivera greeted Masterji Thakur and directed the floating scroll to jump into her pocket.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• conducted