direct
verb (used with object)
to manage or guide by advice, helpful information, instruction, etc..
was directing
-
past progressiveof direct.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The agency said starting on Sunday, it was directing its Transportation Security Administration to close the expedited services to airport travelers to conserve resources.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 22, 2026
A few things are already clear from the best video angle out now: Pretti was directing traffic on a Minneapolis street.
From Slate ● Jan. 24, 2026
The gain erases a move lower that followed a post by President Donald Trump saying he was directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy $200 billion of mortgage-backed securities earlier this month.
From Barron's ● Jan. 20, 2026
In what is believed to be a reference to Kimambi last month, Tanzania's Attorney-General Hamza Johari said it was "impossible" how "one person outside the country" was directing people through social media.
From BBC ● Dec. 4, 2025
In some passages I had the strong feeling that the writer was directing her disapproval at me, which is why I finally want to bare my soul to you and defend myself against this attack.
From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
