Redirect

To change the course, direction, or focus of something. This can apply to physical movement, information flow, attention, or resources. It implies a purposeful alteration, often to achieve a different outcome or avoid an undesirable path. The process involves initiating a new route or objective, whether actively through intervention or passively by allowing an automatic shift. The core meaning involves a divergence from a previous trajectory to follow a newly established one, or back towards the original starting point, in essence, to re-route a course of action.

Redirect meaning with examples

• The highway construction project forced the city to redirect traffic through residential streets, causing congestion and frustration for residents. Authorities swiftly took action, coordinating traffic control measures and adjusting detour signs, which ultimately eased the disruptions as construction progressed, highlighting the dynamic nature of redirecting vehicular flow to maintain public access despite project constraints.
• During the power outage, the IT team had to redirect web traffic to a backup server to ensure continued access for users. This temporary shift in server infrastructure preserved business operations, providing uninterrupted online access during the outage period. This ensured business functionality. Monitoring and maintenance of the redundant system made sure there were no prolonged service interruptions.
• The marketing team decided to redirect their advertising budget from print media to online platforms, hoping to reach a wider audience more effectively. This strategic pivot allowed for targeted campaigns, cost efficiencies, and real-time performance monitoring. Through this change, they could assess the effectiveness of each ad in order to maximise ROI by gaining analytics data.
• A counselor can help a patient to redirect negative thought patterns by introducing more positive self-talk and encouraging them to actively manage their emotions. This cognitive behavioral therapy technique promotes mental well-being by shifting focus away from distressing thoughts toward constructive coping strategies that help navigate difficult experiences.