derail

[ dee-reyl ]

/ diˈreɪl /

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See synonyms for: derail / derailed 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.

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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 ); see origin at de- rail¹

Words nearby derail

De Quincey, der., deracinate, deradicalize, deraign, derail, derailleur, derailment, Derain, derange, deranged

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use derail in a sentence

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
But he cautioned that last-minute snags could still derail an agreement.
Turkey Turns Back Toward Israel|Thomas Seibert|May 13, 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
He testified that he had kept the detective agencies informed as to the progress of the plot to derail the train.
Violence and the Labor Movement|Robert Hunter
To derail a train is legitimate warfare, with many precedents to support it.
The War in South Africa|Arthur Conan Doyle
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
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
But, for that matter, he would derail what he liked, and cross where he pleased.
Bayou Folk|Kate Chopin

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 forms of derail

derailment, 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

derail

Origin of derail

Words nearby derail

Words related to derail

How to use derail in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for derail

Derived forms of derail