redirect
UK[ˌriːdaɪˈrekt]US[ˌriːdəˈrekt]
v
to send something in a different direction or by a different route
v
to use money, energy, resources, etc. for a different purpose
v
to send a person to a different place or person for help, information, or treatment
Morpheme Breakdown
re
direct
re
again
direct
to guide
Etymology
The word 'redirect' is a modern English formation built from classical Latin elements. The prefix 're-' is derived from Latin, carrying the core sense of "again" or "back." The verb 'direct' originates from the Latin dirigere, meaning "to set straight, guide, or align," itself from dis- ("apart") and regere ("to guide, rule"). The compound 'redirect' literally means "to guide again" or "to set straight anew." This literal sense evolved logically into the modern abstract meanings of changing the course, destination, or application of something, whether it be physical traffic, digital data, or abstract resources.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + direct (to guide)
- re: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "again, back, anew." It functions as a modifier indicating repetition or reversal.
- direct: A root of Latin origin (from dirigere, "to set straight, guide"). It functions as the core verb meaning "to guide, aim, or manage."
Examples
The flight was redirected to a different airport due to bad weather.
We need to redirect our efforts towards more urgent projects.
The doctor redirected me to a specialist for further tests.