direction

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)A theoretical line (physically or mentally) followed from a point of origin or towards a destination. May be relative (e.g. up, left, outbound, dorsal), geographical (e.g. north), rotational (e.g. clockwise), or with respect to an object or location (e.g. toward Boston).

   “Keep going in the same direction.”

   “Judge Short had gone to town, and Farrar was off for a three days' cruise up the lake. I was bitterly regretting I had not gone with him when the distant notes of a coach horn reached my ear, and I descried a four-in-hand winding its way up the inn road from the direction of Mohair.”

   “Just before Warwick reached Liberty Point, a young woman came down Front Street from the direction of the market-house. When their paths converged, Warwick kept on down Front Street behind her, it having been already his intention to walk in this direction.”

2. (countable, uncountable)A general trend for future action.
3. (countable, uncountable)Guidance, instruction.

   “The trombonist looked to the bandleader for direction.”

4. (countable, uncountable)The work of the director in cinema or theater; the skill of directing a film, play etc.

   “The screenplay was good, but the direction was weak.”

5. (countable, dated, uncountable)The body of persons who guide or manage a matter; the directorate.

   “I shall not rest satisfied with merely employing my capital in insuring ships. I shall buy up some good Life Assurance shares, and cut into the Direction.”

6. (archaic, countable, uncountable)A person's address.

   “Her aunt Leonella was still at Cordova, and she knew not her direction.”