misdirect
misdirect Lexical Profile
misdirect Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To direct or guide (someone or something) to the wrong place or in the wrong direction, or to divert attention away from something.
"The magician used a bright flash of light to misdirect the audience's gaze while he concealed the coin."
To address or send (a letter, package, or message) to the wrong recipient or destination.
"The postal clerk accidentally misdirected the package to a warehouse in another state."
British To give wrong or improper legal instructions to (a jury) regarding a point of law.
"The defense counsel appealed the conviction on the grounds that the trial judge had misdirected the jury."
• Rhymes for misdirect
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 17th century from the prefix 'mis-' (wrongly) and 'direct', which comes from the Latin 'directus', the past participle of 'dirigere' (to set straight or guide).