as in distracted
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
according to police, the suspect had been derailed in recent months by mounting financial problems
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Recent Examples of derailed
But while Bong would go on to Oscar glory, Jang’s career was derailed when Save the Green Planet!
—
Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
The 25-year-old caught 34 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown in 11 games during his rookie campaign, but injuries ultimately derailed his first couple of NFL seasons.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
The green room fills with nervous tension—if the vape isn’t found, the whole show could be derailed.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2025
Critics say the filibuster has contributed to our broken political system and has held up or derailed too much legislation.
—The Detroit News Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025
The 2025 shutdown, by comparison, has derailed 100% of appropriations.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Doug Barron of Memphis came out blazing in the morning, making birdie on his first four holes until a bogey at the par-3 5th derailed him.
—Arkansas Online, 25 Oct. 2025
But her holiday plans are hilariously derailed when her ex-husband Everett (Hudson) unexpectedly introduces his younger and successful new girlfriend.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
After an injury derailed his MLB dreams, Bloom turned to investing, asking rich people in his circle for professional advice.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
The 25-year-old caught 34 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown in 11 games during his rookie campaign, but injuries ultimately derailed his first couple of NFL seasons.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
The green room fills with nervous tension—if the vape isn’t found, the whole show could be derailed.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2025
Critics say the filibuster has contributed to our broken political system and has held up or derailed too much legislation.
—The Detroit News Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025
The 2025 shutdown, by comparison, has derailed 100% of appropriations.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Doug Barron of Memphis came out blazing in the morning, making birdie on his first four holes until a bogey at the par-3 5th derailed him.
—Arkansas Online, 25 Oct. 2025
But her holiday plans are hilariously derailed when her ex-husband Everett (Hudson) unexpectedly introduces his younger and successful new girlfriend.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
After an injury derailed his MLB dreams, Bloom turned to investing, asking rich people in his circle for professional advice.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derailed
Verb
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Over the years, California Highway Patrol officers have told Honk their priority is saving lives — so intoxicated and distracted drivers, speeders and those not wearing seat belts get top billing.—
Jim Radcliffe,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Moreover, 14% of more than 1,000 respondents said at least one accident had occurred at their workplace because an employee was distracted by a smartphone—often resulting in injury or damage to property.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The whales' communication can be disturbed by underwater noise made by humans, and the interference often deters them from certain crucial areas, like breeding and feeding locations.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
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For instance, Bella's first meeting with Edward in their biology class is supposed to be this unnerving moment, where Bella is disturbed by Edward's apparent repulsion toward her.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The nearly 4,300-member tribe has long been alarmed at the state of its life-giving waterway, CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores wrote in a statement shared with The Arizona Republic.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Sexton called for the review after hearing from owners alarmed by the rapid rise in assessed values.—
Austin Hornbostel,
Nashville Tennessean,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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If you can’t be bothered to make the most of your credit card points, Shop With Points may be your best alternative.—
Sarah Hostetler,
CNBC,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Ron can’t be bothered much with Douglas.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
While travelers nationwide panic about the potential of flight delays and cancellations, airlines are not widely concerned.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Nov. 2025
-
But such contests typically are a referendum on the party that controls the White House, giving the GOP reason to be concerned.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Despite the compromise, most Democrats have been worried the vote to extend Obamacare tax credits would fail because many Republicans in the House and Senate are opposed to an extension unless the program is overhauled.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The market suffered last week in part because investors worried about the ongoing government shutdown, Cramer suggested, which was crippling air travel and weakening consumer confidence.—
Julie Coleman,
CNBC,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Like Francis, Leo has faced criticism from conservative US Catholics and MAGA supporters, angered by his comments on migration and climate change.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Obama’s enthusiastic showings for both candidates was a test of whether his sway over the Democratic Party still remains after his support for Harris failed to boost her to the White House a year ago and angered black male voters who felt unfairly accused of sexism.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The idea that a leak of any kind must be coming from one of the cast members is something that has plagued many a Housewives season.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
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Daylilies are sometimes plagued by pests like thrips, slugs, aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Derailed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derailed. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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