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Derail - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Derail means to cause something, like a train or a plan, to go off track or fail. It can also refer to distracting someone from their main focus or purpose.

derail

/dɪˈreɪl/ /dɪˈreɪl/

Definition:

To cause a train to leave its tracks, or to disrupt progress or plans.

Synonyms:

disrupt, hinder, thwart, sabotage

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

advance, facilitate

Common Collocations:

derail a train, derail negotiations, derail a project

Derivatives:

derailment, derailed

Usage Tips:

Use "derail" for sudden disruptions, especially in plans or transportation contexts. Avoid overuse in informal settings.

Common Phrases:

derail the conversation, go off the rails, derail someone's plans

Etymology:

From French "dérailler," meaning "to leave the rails," combining "de-" (off) and "rail."

Examples:

  • 1. The train derailed after hitting debris on the tracks.
  • 2. His careless comment could derail the entire meeting.
  • 3. Bad weather often derails construction projects unexpectedly.
  • 4. She refused to let setbacks derail her ambitions.

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