Derail
/diˈreɪl/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause (a train or vehicle) to leave the tracks; to obstruct or impede the progress of something.
/diˈreɪl/
To cause a train or other vehicle to leave the tracks.
The accident derailed the train.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to build a Lego tower, and someone knocks it over. Derailing is like that – it means something gets knocked off course, like a train going off its tracks, or a plan going wrong.
👶 For kids: To go off the tracks, like a toy train! Or when something messes up a plan.
More Examples
A tree falling on the tracks derailed the locomotive.
The scandal threatened to derail his political career.
How It's Used
"The train derailed due to a mechanical failure."
To cause something to fail or be prevented from continuing.
/diˈreɪl/
To prevent something from continuing successfully.
The investigation derailed his chances of getting promoted.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on your way to your favorite ice cream shop, but your car gets a flat tire. That flat tire 'derails' your plan to get ice cream. It means something stops a plan or progress from happening.
👶 For kids: When something stops something else from happening, like when you want to play and something gets in the way.
More Examples
A sudden illness derailed her plans for the trip.
Economic downturns can derail business forecasts.
How It's Used
"The financial crisis derailed the company's expansion plans."
From 'de-' (down, off) + 'rail' (a metal bar forming part of a track). Originally referred to trains leaving the tracks, later broadened to other contexts.
Initially used solely in the context of railway accidents, the word's meaning expanded in the 20th century to include more abstract concepts.
Memory tip
Imagine a train falling OFF the rails!