directive

[ dih-rek-tiv, dahy- ]

adjective

1. serving to direct; directing:

   a directive board.

2. Psychology. pertaining to a type of psychotherapy in which the therapist actively offers advice and information rather than dealing only with information supplied by the patient.

noun

1. an authoritative instruction or direction; specific order:

   a new directive by the president on foreign aid.

directive

/ daɪ-; dɪˈrɛktɪv /

noun

1. an instruction; order

adjective

1. tending to direct; directing
2. indicating direction

Other Words From

• self-di·rective adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of directive¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word dīrēctīvus. See direct, -ive

Example Sentences

But every senior military officer also takes an oath to defend the Constitution, and pledges to refuse illegal, unconstitutional or criminal directives.

From Los Angeles Times

Content creators are accustomed to such uncertainty, she added, because government directives tend to be vague and unevenly enforced.

From Los Angeles Times

His team has said to expect a flurry of executive orders - directives from the US president - out of the Oval Office in the first week.

From BBC

Activists expect the Trump administration to revoke a Biden directive that requires emergency rooms to provide abortions when necessary to stabilize a woman’s health, even in states with abortion bans.

From Los Angeles Times

That type of directive would likely get tied up in the courts, but “it’s the threat that becomes the issue,” Klowden said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• decree
• edict
• injunction
• mandate
• memo
• memorandum
• message
• notice
• order
• regulation
• ruling