What does redirect mean?
Redirect means to send a person, message, or resource somewhere other than the original intended destination. People may redirect visitors, traffic, attention, or resources when an alternative route, location, or plan is needed. The word is especially common in websites and digital services, where an old or shortened address can redirect users to a current page. In everyday and institutional settings, it can describe directing someone to another office, entrance, or service. Although redirect can imply a temporary change, it does not necessarily suggest that the original destination is permanently closed; the purpose may simply be efficiency, safety, or improved navigation. The related noun redirect names the act of directing something elsewhere, especially in computing, and is also used for the technical feature or instruction that sends a user or request to a different address.
To direct someone or something to a different destination, person, route, or purpose.
"The officer redirected the procession along the side road."
Common in both everyday and technical contexts; in computing, it often describes sending a request or user from one address to another.
An act of sending someone or something elsewhere, especially an automatic redirection from one web address to another.
"The link produces a permanent redirect to the updated article."
Often used in web and computing contexts.
The plural is used for separate instances of redirection, especially different web links or routing instructions.
"The developer removed several outdated redirects from the site."
In the web, a redirect can send a visitor to a new address while leaving the original link intact, helping preserve links and guide people to the most useful page.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redirect come from?
The word was formed in English with the prefix re-, meaning again, and direct, meaning to guide or send. Its underlying elements are Latin: re- meant back or again, while directus was a past participle of dirigere, meaning to direct or guide. The same Latin root appears in English words such as direct, direction, and director.
Related word forms
How redirect is actually used
The verb is common in formal and informal contexts. In computing and web design, it often specifically means causing one address or request to lead to another destination.