derail

verb

de·rail | \ di-ˈrāl

, dē-\

derailed; derailing; derails

Definition of derail

transitive verb

1 : to cause to run off the rails

2a : 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

intransitive verb

: to leave the rails

Other Words from derail Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about derail

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of derail in a Sentence

The train derailed in heavy snow. The train was derailed by heavy snow.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ortiz has a 32-6-3 record and was once considered a promising star until a string of knockout losses derailed his career. — Fox News, "Victor Ortiz fight canceled following sexual assault arrest," 27 Sep. 2018 Diaz didn’t let the incident derail his progression in his first season in the Miami Marlins’ organization. — Andre C. Fernandez, miamiherald, "Marlins prospect acquired in Yelich trade thriving since scary moment at the plate," 9 July 2018 But for the Brewers to remain in first place in the National League Central for much of the first half is a testament both to their depth of talent and resolve not to let injuries derail their season. — Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Haudricourt: Brewers' depth has been huge in overcoming series of injuries this season," 6 July 2018 Still, there was one event that consistently derailed my progress — phone calls with my mother. — Anonymous, Good Housekeeping, "I Had to Choose Between Safety and My Mother," 21 Dec. 2018 May won the vote 200 to 117, which spares the Tories from a bitter leadership contest that could have derailed focus from Brexit for weeks. — Jen Kirby, Vox, "British Prime Minister Theresa May survives no-confidence vote," 12 Dec. 2018 Big name OTAs—Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, etc.— have been around long enough to have strong customer service that usually won't derail your trip. — Condé Nast Traveler, "How to Find Cheap Flights," 25 Sep. 2018 But with the shock of Trump's 2016 victory still fresh, some Democrats are painfully aware that significant factors could emerge in the 45 days before the election that could derail their presumptive success. — Steve Peoples, Fox News, "Overconfident? Dem optimism surges as midterms approach," 22 Sep. 2018 Washington ranked 16th in the NFL in offense and scoring offense last year — but that was under Kirk Cousins, without veteran running back Adrian Peterson and amid injuries that derailed the season. — Stephen Whyno, The Seattle Times, "Week 1-ready? Redskins offense is glaring question mark," 27 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'derail.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.