Derailed - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Derailed means to go off track, either literally, as in a train leaving its rails, or figuratively, as when plans or discussions are disrupted or diverted from their intended course.
Definition:
To cause a train to leave its tracks; to disrupt or divert from an intended course.
Synonyms:
deranged, disrupted, diverted, thrown off course
Part of Speech:
verb, adjective
Antonyms:
on track, stabilized
Common Collocations:
train derailed, plans derailed, career derailed, negotiations derailed
Derivatives:
derailment, derailing
Usage Tips:
Use "derailed" literally for trains or figuratively for plans going off course; often implies sudden disruption.
Common Phrases:
go off the rails, throw a spanner in the works
Etymology:
From French "dérailler," meaning "to leave the rails," combining "dé-" (off) + "rail."
Examples:
- 1. The train derailed after hitting a fallen tree.
- 2. His careless comment nearly derailed the meeting.
- 3. The project was derailed by unexpected budget cuts.
- 4. Her career was temporarily derailed by illness.