/di rek"tiv, duy-/ , adj.
1. serving to direct; directing: a directive board.
2. Psychol. pertaining to a type of psychotherapy in which the therapist actively offers advice and information rather than dealing only with information supplied by the patient.
n.
3. an authoritative instruction or direction; specific order: a new directive by the President on foreign aid.
[ 1425-75; late ME directivus. See DIRECT, -IVE ]