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.
Lack of alignment on cultural elements—like corporate values, vision for the future, the attitudes and behaviors that drive outcomes—can derail even the most promising acquisition. Steve Swinney, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Pham’s dad did eventually support his son’s hopes — which were almost derailed again by a bureaucratic error. Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025 In the series, Bartlett plays the role of Brian, a former children’s show host whose career has been derailed by a public scandal. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 May 2025 In 2023 the Jayhawks landed center Hunter Dickinson, at that point the most accomplished player to ever hit college basketball’s transfer portal, over a group of heavy hitters that included Kentucky, but injuries and shooting struggles derailed that season. Cj Moore, New York Times, 20 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 25 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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