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
de·rail·ment
də̇ˈrā(ə)lmənt 
dēˈ-
plural -s
Synonyms of derail
Examples of derail in a Sentence
Verb
The train derailed in heavy snow.
The train was derailed by heavy snow.
Recent Examples on the Web
Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 19 June 2026
However, despite a stellar rotation and lineup, a faltering bullpen could derail the Dodgers' World Series hopes, potentially leading to roster moves if performance doesn't improve.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Don’t let a US heat wave derail your summer fun or fitness routine.
—Kimberly Richardson, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
Fighting between the two sides, which was still underway in some parts of southern Lebanon, could derail the deal.
—ABC News, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for derail
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Verb
Advertisement Companies may also want to monitor how further negotiations unfold before committing ships to the area, amid concern that Israel’s parallel war against the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon risks derailing progress.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 19 June 2026
However, despite a stellar rotation and lineup, a faltering bullpen could derail the Dodgers' World Series hopes, potentially leading to roster moves if performance doesn't improve.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Don’t let a US heat wave derail your summer fun or fitness routine.
—Kimberly Richardson, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
Fighting between the two sides, which was still underway in some parts of southern Lebanon, could derail the deal.
—ABC News, 18 June 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 25 Jun. 2026.
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