direct
This verb emphasizes the exercise of authority and the act of guiding a process toward a specific goal. It implies a position of leadership where the speaker is responsible for the overall trajectory and execution of a project or a group of people. In a technical or instructional sense, the word shifts from high-level management to precise orientation, such as pointing a person toward a physical destination or focusing a beam of light. This duality allows the word to bridge the gap between corporate oversight and simple guidance.
💬Casual Conversation
I'm going to direct the IT overhaul personally.
Just stop messing with the server and let me do it.
Meanings
Examples
Could you direct me to the nearest train station?
Just direct the traffic away from the crash site!
I cannot believe you tried to direct my personal life.
Who is going to direct the play this year?
Stop trying to direct me on how to do my job!
Please direct all your complaints to the manager.
He was chosen to direct the entire orchestral performance.
Listen, just direct the light toward the evidence!
I will direct the funds toward the new project.
Why are you trying to direct the conversation elsewhere?
Collocations & Compounds
direct a film
to oversee the production of a movie
She wants to direct a film in Berlin.
direct traffic
to manage the flow of vehicles
The officer had to direct traffic during the parade.
direct attention
to make someone focus on something
Please direct your attention to the screen.
direct a question
to address a query to a specific person
I would like to direct a question to the CEO.
direct operations
to manage the daily functions of a business
He was hired to direct operations at the plant.
Phrasal Verbs
direct toward
aim something at a target
He directed his anger toward the manager.