What does redirection mean?
Redirection is the act of sending a person, object, request, or piece of information somewhere other than its original destination. It can describe deliberate changes in direction, such as redirecting traffic or attention, as well as automated processes such as a web address forwarding users to another page. The word is especially common in computing, where redirecting a URL can preserve access to a page that has moved, guide users to a new version of a resource, or route requests through another service. In everyday and organisational settings, redirection can also mean shifting effort or focus from one goal to another. Its neutral tone distinguishes it from more evaluative terms such as diversion or manipulation, although the action itself may be either helpful or obstructive depending on the context.
nounThe action of directing someone or something to a different place, purpose, or destination. In computing, redirection is the process of sending data, a request, or a user from one location to another.
- The act of directing someone or something elsewhere.
- The process of sending a user, request, or data stream to another location, especially on the web.
"The sign provided redirection to the main entrance while the old entrance was being renovated."
"The article's redirection to the archive allowed readers to access the earlier version."
"The company used traffic redirection during the roadworks to keep vehicles moving through nearby streets."
The plural is redirections, especially for multiple instances of redirecting or different redirect mechanisms.
"The administrator reviewed several redirections in the server logs."
In the digital world, a redirect is a digital signpost: it sends you somewhere else without making you find the way yourself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redirection come from?
The related English verb redirect was formed in the early modern period from French rediriger and Latin redirigere, combining the prefix re-, meaning again or back, with dirigere, meaning to direct or guide. The word redirection was developed as a noun from this verb. Its deeper roots connect with Latin words such as direction, deduction, production, and introduction, all associated with the Latin root ducere, meaning to lead or guide.
Related word forms
How redirection is actually used
The word is common in general contexts for changing someone's direction or purpose, but it is especially frequent in computing, publishing, transport, and traffic management. In technical usage, it often implies an automatic or clearly defined forwarding mechanism.