misdirect

[ mis-di-rekt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to direct or address wrongly or incorrectly:

   to misdirect a person; to misdirect a letter.

misdirect

/ ˌmɪsdɪˈrɛkt /

verb

1. to give (a person) wrong directions or instructions
2. to address (a letter, parcel, etc) wrongly

Derived Forms

• ˌmisdiˈrection, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misdirect¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; mis- ¹ + direct

Example Sentences

However, the vice president of its board, Jay Dunlap, said he understands that people are upset, but that it may be misdirected — at least for customers of Pleasant Valley Mutual.

From Los Angeles Times

But some believe the club’s money and expertise is being misdirected.

From Los Angeles Times

“That one is sung by a man, as a bit of a misdirect,” Schaeffer said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Such protests are misdirected, and the ends do not justify the means.”

From Los Angeles Times

Not justice or a new sense of fairness, but misdirected grievance aimed toward less powerful people ruining everyone else’s good time by exposing our favorite stars' misdeeds.

From Salon

Related Words

• betray
• cheat
• deceive
• defraud
• delude
• dupe
• entice
• fool
• fudge
• hoodwink
• lie
• misguide
• misinform
• misrepresent
• tempt