misdirected
Sent astray unintentionally
Misdirected means aimed or sent in the wrong direction.
A misdirected letter goes to the wrong address.
Misdirected anger targets the wrong person—you're furious at your spouse when the real problem is your boss.
Misdirected efforts waste energy on the wrong goals.
The word implies the intent was fine but the aim was off.
Misled into false belief
- misledCaused to believe falsely
- dupedDeceived into believing
- trickedMisled by cunning
- fooledLed to believe falsely
manipulated · hoodwinked · bamboozled · conned · swindled · beguiled · deluded · cheated
Thing diverting one's attention
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
- diversionRedirection of attention
- smokescreenConcealment through misdirection
- feintDeceptive mock attack
red herring · deflection · subterfuge · ruse · ploy · sleight · bluff · camouflage
deceived
Misled into false belief
fooled · manipulated · hoodwinked · bamboozled · conned · swindled · beguiled · deluded · cheated · blindsided
distraction
Thing diverting one's attention
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
- diversionRedirection of attention
- smokescreenConcealment through misdirection
feint · red herring · deflection · subterfuge · ruse · ploy · sleight · bluff · camouflage · stratagem
- off targetoff target, off-target, off the mark, wide of the mark, wide
misdirectedwell-placed
In an effective position
appropriate · fitting · well-founded · productive · purposeful
- misdirected mailCorrespondence sent somewhere wrong
misdirect, misdirection, misdirecting, misdirects, misdirections