derail

[ dee-reyl ]

/ diˈreɪl /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR derail ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

RELATED WORDS

hinder, thwart, crash, wreck, deflect

Nearby words

Origin of derail

1840–50; < French dérailler, equivalent to dé- dis-¹ + -railler, verbal derivative of rail rail¹ (< E)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for derail

Even a delay in appointments can derail ongoing investigations and regulatory efforts.
Deregulators Lost at the Supreme Court When It Comes to Blocking Presidential Appointees|Aziz Haq|June 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Is he rejecting her, or rejecting her cautionary tale—unable to derail his destiny?
All the Signs That Don Draper Will Die on ‘Mad Men’|Kevin Fallon|April 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But let me be clear: if this Congress sends me a new sanctions bill now that threatens to derail these talks, I will veto it.
Full Text of President Obama’s 2014 State of the Union Address||January 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Used optimally, carbs can enhance your fitness regimen—not derail it!
Carbs 101: The Truth About Carbohydrates|DailyBurn|January 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

At the same time, Palestinian officials continue to advocate unrealistic positions that threaten to derail any agreement.
When Prisoner Releases and Direct Negotiations Aren’t Enough|Aaron Magid|August 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
An engine, moreover, that had the power of leaving the metals to chase you should you not derail it.
The Pools of Silence|H. de Vere Stacpoole
To add to the traveller's discomfort, the road-bed is as bad as it can be and not derail the cars constantly.
Under the Southern Cross|Maturin M. Ballou
Something told Gladys that the men had had no business at the switch; that they meant to derail and wreck the Limited.
The Camp Fire Girls at Onoway House|Hildegard G. Frey
To derail a train is legitimate warfare, with many precedents to support it.
The War in South Africa|Arthur Conan Doyle
That would delay it or derail it, and neither option is acceptable.
State of the Union Addresses of George W. Bush|George W. Bush

British Dictionary definitions for derail

derail

/ (dɪˈreɪl) /

verb

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

noun

Also called: derailer mainly US a device designed to make rolling stock or locomotives leave the rails to avoid a collision or accident

Derived Formsderailment, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for derail

derail

1850, in both transitive and intransitive senses, from French dérailler "to go off the rails," from de- (see de-) + railler (see rail (n.1)). In general use first in U.S. Related: Derailed; derailing.