misdirect

/ˌmɪsdəˈrɛkt/
verb
  1. To give someone wrong directions or instructions.
    • The email misdirected the package to an old address.
    • Don't misdirect the new employee; show them the correct office.
    • The sign misdirected tourists to the wrong museum entrance.
  2. To use something (like energy, attention, or resources) in a wrong or unhelpful way.
    • The company misdirected its funds into failing projects.
    • He misdirected his anger at his little brother instead of the real cause.
    • We misdirected our efforts on minor details and missed the deadline.
Antonyms