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

She added that while price pressures are picking up, the recovery in economic momentum since late last year has yet to be derailed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Embassy in Havana threatens to derail a larger effort to expand private-fuel flows into Cuba.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The move comes amid concerns that escalating tensions could derail global growth, a backdrop that has triggered the largest two-day decline in U.S. equities in a year,” the bank added.

From Barron's

During the early 2010s Arab Spring, elevated oil prices didn’t derail Malaysia’s growth, and banks maintained solid asset quality, he notes.

From The Wall Street Journal

With tens of thousands of components, small deviations can derail performance, he says, so engineers adjust, test and repeat.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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