target vs direct

target is a noun but direct is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
target	Yes	No	Yes	No
direct	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

As verbs, target and direct are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of target include aim, place, point.

As verbs, direct is a hypernym of target; that is, direct is a word with a broader meaning than target:

target: intend (something) to move towards a certain goal
direct: point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards

Other hypernyms of target include aim, take, take aim, train.

target (noun)	direct (noun)
sports equipment consisting of an object set up for a marksman or archer to aim at
the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
a reference point to shoot at
the location of the target that is to be hit
a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence

target (adjective)	direct (adjective)
	direct in spatial dimensions; proceeding without deviation or interruption; straight and short
	(of a current) flowing in one direction only
	straightforward in means or manner or behavior or language or action
	similar in nature or effect or relation to another quantity
	in a straight unbroken line of descent from parent to child
	moving from west to east on the celestial sphere; or--for planets--around the sun in the same direction as the Earth
	lacking compromising or mitigating elements
	in precisely the same words used by a writer or speaker
	having no intervening persons, agents, conditions
	being an immediate result or consequence

target (verb)	direct (verb)
intend (something) to move towards a certain goal	plan and direct (a complex undertaking)
	specifically design a product, event, or activity for a certain public
	command with authority
	give directions to; point somebody into a certain direction
	put an address on (an envelope)
	point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards
	intend (something) to move towards a certain goal
	guide the actors in (plays and films)
	lead, as in the performance of a composition
	take somebody somewhere
	cause to go somewhere
	direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
	govern or manage

target (adverb)	direct (adverb)
	without deviation