derail

[dɪˈreɪl]

derail Definition

  • 1to cause a train to leave its tracks accidentally
  • 2to 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

Antonyms for derail

Phrases with derail

  • 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.

  • out of control; not going according to plan

    Example

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

  • 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.'