sidetracked

[sahyd-trakt]

adjective

1. distracted from the main subject, task, course, etc..

   Sorry for not replying sooner—I’m an easily sidetracked guy with poor time management.

2. (of a train) moved from the main track to a siding, where it stops temporarily.

   Rail officials agreed to move a sidetracked train after local residents complained of the noise, fumes, and vibrations.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of sidetrack.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sidetracked¹

First recorded in 1880–85; sidetrack ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; sidetrack ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

"My ambition was not to be a music photographer, my ambition was to be a war photographer - but I got a sidetracked in a great way," he says.

From BBC

But now, that focus isn’t being sidetracked by worries about his body, or limitations to his “bowl.”

From Los Angeles Times

“He had the ambition and the drive to do something great and not get sidetracked or settle for less,” says Campbell.

From Los Angeles Times

"I suppose you don't want to get overly emotional and make it too big a thing and get sidetracked from the main objective," Doris said of the legendary trio's home swansong.

From BBC

And while he’s searching for a show in his questions, sometimes he gets sidetracked with sparks of genuine interest.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aground 
• ashore 
• grounded 
• helpless 
• wrecked