redirect

American  

[ree-di-rekt, -dahy-] / ˌri dɪˈrɛkt, -daɪ- /

verb (used with object)

1. to direct again.

2. to change the direction or focus of.

   He redirected the children's energies toward building a sand castle instead of throwing sand at each other.

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adjective

1. Law. pertaining to the examination of a witness by the party who called them, after cross-examination.

redirect British  

/ ˌriːdaɪ-, ˌriːdɪˈrɛkt /

verb

1. to direct (someone or something) to a different place or by a different route

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Other Word Forms

• redirection noun

Etymology

Origin of redirect

First recorded in 1835–45; re- + direct

Explanation

When you redirect something, you point it in a different direction. If your dog keeps licking your friends' knees, you might have to redirect her attention to a squeaky toy. Beavers can famously redirect the flow of water in a stream or river by building dams that divert the flow in a new direction. The very best elementary school teachers are experts at redirecting the attention of young kids, like when a music teacher redirects a class's energy into an enthusiastic round of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." The direct part of redirect comes from the Latin dirigere, "set straight."

Example Sentences

A moratorium signals uncertainty to companies deciding where to build, and in a fast-moving sector, even a temporary pause can redirect projects permanently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Taiwan, with a similar reliance on imports, said it will also redirect ships to bring crude from Saudi Red Sea ports.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Parents who are stressed about money can redirect conversations with their kids to “decision-making and agency,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

However, the small shift in orbital speed demonstrates how spacecraft could be used to redirect a threatening asteroid if scientists detect it early enough.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

It was enough to redirect their attention while he motioned Toby outside onto the porch.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss

Related Words

• change
• convert
• move
• return
• shift
• swing
• switch
• transform
• twist