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

A documentary about the class, Classroom 4, directed by her childhood friend Eden Wurmfeld, is now streaming on PBS.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

While much of the investment today into infrastructure is directed at the AI buildout, some of that overlaps with what is needed to resolve the “Achilles’ heel” vulnerabilities, Singhal says.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

The greatest amount of outside spending has been directed at attacking billionaire hedge fund founder turned environmental warrior Tom Steyer, a leading Democrat in the race.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Bob Baldwin, who was a close friend of Mayall's and directed him in a number of projects, will present unseen excerpts from their collaborations and reflect on their friendship.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

It also directed its police to hunt down Nazi spies, with help from the FBI.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Related Words

• conducted