to cause a train to leave its tracks accidentally, to prevent a plan or process from succeeding

go off the rails, off the rails, throw someone off the rails

Formal and Informal Expressions of derail

In different contexts, you can replace 'derail' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'disrupt, hinder, obstruct' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'mess up, screw up' is a commonplace synonym.

derail: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for derail

Antonyms for derail

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.'