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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.

derailed

/dɪˈreɪld/ /dɪˈreɪld/

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.

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