derailed; derailing; derails
1
: to cause to run off the rails
2
a
: to obstruct the progress of : frustrate
Security problems derailed the tour.
b
: to upset the stability or composure of
… divorce … can seriously derail an employee.—
Joanne Gordon
Joanne Gordon
: to leave the rails
Synonyms of derail
Examples of derail in a Sentence
The train derailed in heavy snow.
The train was derailed by heavy snow.
Recent Examples on the Web
Industry observers said the Endangered Species Act exemption could have significant implications for energy companies by streamlining approvals of new projects and impeding opponents’ ability to derail drilling plans.
—Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Indianapolis began 8-2 before a litany of injuries, most notably quarterback Daniel Jones’ ruptured right Achilles tendon, derailed its promising campaign.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
However, a series of injuries, poor coaching, and the career revival of Daniel Jones derailed any momentum Richardson had gained.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Coach Erik Spoelstra in recent days has insisted that the Heat only can be the best version of themselves with Powell and Herro thriving as starters, stressing a commitment to such an approach, one now again derailed at least for another night.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for derail
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Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Indianapolis began 8-2 before a litany of injuries, most notably quarterback Daniel Jones’ ruptured right Achilles tendon, derailed its promising campaign.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
However, a series of injuries, poor coaching, and the career revival of Daniel Jones derailed any momentum Richardson had gained.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Coach Erik Spoelstra in recent days has insisted that the Heat only can be the best version of themselves with Powell and Herro thriving as starters, stressing a commitment to such an approach, one now again derailed at least for another night.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for derail
Cite this Entry
“Derail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derail. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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