derail

[dɪˈreɪl]

derail Definition

• 1. to cause a train to leave its tracks accidentally
• 2. to prevent a plan or process from succeeding

Using derail: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "derail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The train was derailed by a fallen tree on the tracks.

• Example

  The project was derailed by budget cuts.

• Example

  His personal problems derailed his career.

derail Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for derail

• disrupt
• hinder
• obstruct
• thwart
• upset

Antonyms for derail

• facilitate
• promote

Phrases with derail

• go off the rails

  to start behaving in a way that is not responsible or acceptable

  Example

  After he lost his job, he went off the rails and started drinking heavily.

• off the rails

  out of control; not going according to plan

  Example

  The project went off the rails when the main contractor went bankrupt.

• throw someone off the rails

  to cause someone to lose their focus or direction

  Example

  The unexpected news threw him off the rails and he couldn't concentrate on his work.

Origins of derail

from French 'dérailleur', meaning 'to go off the rails'

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Summary: derail in Brief

To 'derail' [dɪˈreɪl] means to cause a train to leave its tracks or to prevent a plan or process from succeeding. It can also mean to behave irresponsibly or to be out of control, as in 'go off the rails.' 'Derail' is often used figuratively, as in 'His personal problems derailed his career.' Synonyms include 'disrupt,' 'hinder,' and 'obstruct,' while informal equivalents include 'mess up' and 'screw up.'