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

Not enough “cockroach” losses, in the form of frauds or surprising losses, have emerged so far to derail that growth yet.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mining executives, analysts and economic forecasters warn that a copper shortage risks derailing the AI boom, which has fueled stock-market gains and become the main driver of U.S. economic growth.

From The Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON—The cryptocurrency and banking industries are locked in a lobbying battle over digital tokens that yield annual payouts, a fight that threatens to derail legislation intended to bring crypto into mainstream finance.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mortgage rates fell over the last year, but wider global and economic uncertainty still has the potential to derail any further improvements.

From BBC

Both sides accusing each other of trying to derail the negotiations that followed, with the agreement still not realised almost a year later.

From BBC

Related Words

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