I. də-ˈrek-tiv, dī- adjective
Date: 15th century
1. : serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence
2. : serving to point direction ; specifically : directional 1b
3. : of or relating to psychotherapy or counseling in which the counselor introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client
II. noun
Date: 1902
: something that serves to direct, guide, and usually impel toward an action or goal ; especially : an authoritative instrument issued by a high-level body or official