DERAIL Definition & Meaning

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derail

[ dee-reyl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.

derail

/ ��ɪˈ��ɪ�� /

verb

to go or cause to go off the rails, as a train, tram, etc

noun

Also calledderailer a device designed to make rolling stock or locomotives leave the rails to avoid a collision or accident

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Derived Forms

��ˈ��Գ�, noun

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of derail¹

First recorded in 1840–50; from French ��é��, equivalent to ��é- negative prefix + -railler, verbal derivative of rail “bar, beam” (from English ); de- rail ¹

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

That debacle derailed a minerals deal, but negotiations resumed in recent weeks.

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Government sources believe talks with the US administration on an economic deal have made good progress, but have been derailed by Trump's public comments.

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Arsenal have struggled to break teams down in Saka's absence and that has been made worse with season-ending injuries to Havertz and Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus that derailed their Premier League title bid.

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But Russia then put forward a list of conditions including lifting of some Western sanctions, prompting concerns that Moscow was trying to derail any moves towards a ceasefire.

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In the starting rotation, Yamamoto and Glasnow are trying to avoid the injury problems that derailed their seasons last year.

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