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derail

[ dee-reyl ]
/ diˈreɪl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR derail

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. 2020

Words related to derail

hinder, thwart, crash, wreck, deflect

Example sentences from the Web for derail

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