derail

verb

de·​rail di-ˈrāl How to pronounce derail (audio)
dē-
derailed; derailing; derails

transitive verb

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 employeeJoanne Gordon

intransitive verb

: to leave the rails
derailment noun

Examples of derail in a Sentence

The train derailed in heavy snow. The train was derailed by heavy snow.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In her latest book, Rebooting Tech Culture, Telle Whitney provides a cautionary tale of how technology companies often derail themselves with such closed cultures or even hubris. Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 But what has changed is my capacity to meet these challenges without feeling completely derailed. Anya Meyerowitz, Glamour, 9 May 2025 New York Republicans were split Friday over their demand for a much higher cap on deducting state and local taxes, or SALT, amid a feud with GOP congressional leaders that threatens to derail President Trump’s sprawling budget bill. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025 Wilson stars as Pryce Cahill, an over-the-hill, ex-pro golfer whose career was derailed 20 years ago amid a scandal. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for derail

Word History

Etymology

French dérailler to throw off the track, from dé- de- + rail, from English

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of derail was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Derail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derail. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

derail

verb
de·​rail di-ˈrā(ə)l How to pronounce derail (audio)
: to cause to run off the rails
a train derailed by heavy snow
derailment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on derail

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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