Dictionary Home »
Dictionary Definitions » derail
derail
Derail is defined as to cause something or someone to go off course, literally or figuratively.
(verb)- An example of derail is when an obstacle forces a train to go off the tracks; derail the train.
- An example of derail is when you cut funding to a project and make it impossible to continue; derail the project.
YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.
See derail in Webster's New World College Dictionary
transitive verb
to cause (a train, etc.) to go off the rails
Origin: Fr dérailler < dé-, from (see de-) + rail < OFr reille: see rail
intransitive verb
to go off the rails
Related Forms:
- derailment noun
See derail in American Heritage Dictionary 4
intr. & tr.v. de·railed, de·rail·ing, de·rails
- To run or cause to run off the rails.
- To come or bring to a sudden halt: a campaign derailed by lack of funds; a policy that derailed under the new administration.
Origin:
Origin: French dérailler
Origin: : dé-, off (from Old French de-; see de-)
Origin: + rail, rail (from English; see rail 1)
.Related Forms:
- de·railˈment noun
Learn more about derail
