View synonyms for

derail

[ dee-reyl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to cause (a train, streetcar, etc.) to run off the rails of a track.
to cause to fail or become deflected from a purpose; reduce or delay the chances for success or development of:
Being drafted into the army derailed his career for two years.

verb (used without object)

(of a train, streetcar, etc.) to run off the rails of a track.
to become derailed; go astray.

noun

a track device for derailing rolling stock in an emergency.

derail

/ ��ɪˈ��ɪ�� /

verb

to go or cause to go off the rails, as a train, tram, etc

noun

Also calledderailer a device designed to make rolling stock or locomotives leave the rails to avoid a collision or accident

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Derived Forms

��ˈ��Գ�, noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of derail¹

First recorded in 1840–50; from French ��é��, equivalent to ��é- negative prefix + -railler, verbal derivative of rail “bar, beam” (from English ); de- rail ¹

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Sources in the Qatar talks told Reuters news agency that the outcome of the meetings were almost derailed by "technical" issues.

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However the plan was derailed in February by Zelensky and Trump's heated clash at the White House.

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Workers said they began organizing more than five years ago, but the effort was derailed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

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In earlier years, the symbolism of this news would have absorbed and derailed me.

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Tariffs aside, such bottlenecks threaten to derail Vietnam’s economic growth if left unresolved, said Francois of Delta West.

From

Related Words

deraign derailleur

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