misdirect

verb

mis·​di·​rect ˌmis-də-ˈrekt How to pronounce misdirect (audio)
-(ˌ)dī-
misdirected; misdirecting; misdirects

transitive verb

1
: to give a wrong direction to
2
: to direct wrongly
misdirected their energies

Examples of misdirect in a Sentence

Their mail was misdirected to our address. If he tells you he's not interested, he's trying to misdirect you.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After 9/11, efforts were misdirected, while China methodically copied the US playbook, investing heavily in scholarships and exchanges globally. — James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Framing this as a contest between nations also misdirects attention and resources. — Shlomo Kramer, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 Ideas expressed in the piece The article argues that the glee over Tom Steyer’s loss in the California governor’s race reflects a broader, understandable anger at extreme wealth in an era of serf‑lord–level inequality, but contends that this anger is being misdirected at the wrong billionaire. — Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026 Later in the first half against Liverpool, Dunk misdirected a chest pass meant for Verbruggen, which needlessly conceded a corner. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misdirect

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misdirect was in 1603

Rhymes for misdirect

See All Rhymes for misdirect

Browse Nearby Words

misdial
misdirect
misdirection
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misdirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misdirect. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

misdirect

verb
mis·​di·​rect ˌmis-də-ˈrekt How to pronounce misdirect (audio)
-(ˌ)dī-
: to direct incorrectly
misdirection
-ˈrek-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on misdirect

Nglish: Translation of misdirect for Spanish Speakers

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