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.

---

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

---

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

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

The pressure of sending a missive to the one writer you had lived your entire professional life wishing you could ever be as good as nearly derailed the whole enterprise.

From Los Angeles Times

Pep Guardiola will hope this season does not derail in similar fashion to last season.

From BBC

In some cases, he said, the filings can derail job applications for positions that require thorough background checks.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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