direct object

noun

a word or group of words representing the person or thing upon which the action of a verb is performed or toward which it is directed: in English, generally coming after the verb, without a preposition. In He saw it the pronoun it is the direct object of saw.

direct object

See indirect object
grammar a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase whose referent receives the direct action of a verb. For example, a book is the direct object in the sentence They bought Anne a book Compare indirect object

direct object

A noun , pronoun , or group of words serving as the receiving end of an action, such as the ball in “Tabitha hit the ball.” A direct object can be a word, phrase , or clause : “Sam chose Rusty to play shortstop”; “I will never understand why he came home .” ( Compare indirect object .)

First recorded in 1900–05

In this Institution it is made a direct object of effort to cure defects of character and habits.

This, when thus made a direct object of combined effort, often secures results most gratifying and encouraging.

We have seen that extension in itself is not the direct object of sensation.

I was glad to select it for you as the direct object of our visit, although it has formed a small part of our journey.

But neither this nor any other purely political result would be the sole and direct object of the change.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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