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

Having seen that Western researchers produced Covid vaccines with higher efficacy rates months before China, Mr. Xi directed his government to close the technological gap across the board.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 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

Cronenberg, who directed “Scanners,” sides with Perry’s detractors.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Anya directed them to put the branches next to the sukkah, and then they lifted her up so she could put each branch on, laying them alternating back and forth.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Related Words

• conducted