misdirect

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to direct, guide, or send someone or something to the wrong place or toward the wrong result

   An outdated sign may misdirect visitors to the closed entrance.

2. 2
   verb

   to put an incorrect address or routing instruction on a letter or parcel

   The clerk misdirected the package to a similarly named town.

Formed in English from mis-, indicating error or wrongness, and direct. Its meanings extend from sending a person or object the wrong way to steering attention, effort, or judgment toward an unsuitable result.

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