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.
His fingers misdirected the blood flow but did nothing to stanch it. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026 Does a prank involve planning and misdirect? — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026 The criticism of therapists becoming coaches has always struck me as misdirected. — Megan Bruneau, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Elsewhere, criminal groups are misdirecting trucks carrying RAM in order to loot them. — Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 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 7 Jul. 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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