derail

American  

[dee-reyl] / diˈreɪl /

verb (used with object)

1. to cause (a train, streetcar, etc.) to run off the rails of a track.

2. 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.

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verb (used without object)

1. (of a train, streetcar, etc.) to run off the rails of a track.

2. to become derailed; go astray.

noun

1. a track device for derailing rolling stock in an emergency.

derail British  

/ dɪˈreɪl /

verb

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

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noun

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

Other Word Forms

• derailment noun

Etymology

Origin of derail

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

Example Sentences

Inflation in Japan’s capital cooled below the central bank’s 2% target for the first time in over a year, but the slowdown is unlikely to derail further interest rate hikes.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of the dead was hit by the tram as it derailed and the second victim was a passenger, the city's mayor Giuseppe Sala told reporters at the scene.

From Barron's

In the end, Boebert and Johnson did more than briefly derail a deposition.

From Salon

The problems threaten to derail the futures and larger ambitions of both leagues at critical moments.

From The Wall Street Journal

TOKYO—Inflation in Japan’s capital cooled below the central bank’s 2% target for the first time in over a year, but the slowdown is unlikely to derail further interest rate hikes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• block
• deter
• filibuster
• hamper
• hinder
• impede
• interfere
• stall
• stonewall
• thwart