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

That skepticism is now being directed at Fox itself.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

This Atlantic Theater Company & Roundabout Theatre production, directed by Knud Adams, had a critically touted Broadway run, receiving four Tony nominations, including best play.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

A Vatican official said Leo’s comments on Friday—rather than being directed at any one political figure—were about a much larger concept.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

An Anthropic blog post said weaknesses could be found in “every major operating system and every major web browser when directed by a user to do so.”

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

I taught French and math and directed the choir; Jimmie taught science, chemistry, and biology.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Related Words

• conducted