derail









derail


verb (used with object)

  1. to cause (a train, streetcar, etc.) to run off the rails of a track.
  2. to cause to fail or become deflected from a purpose; reduce or delay the chances for success or development of: Being drafted into the army derailed his career for two years.

verb (used without object)

  1. (of a train, streetcar, etc.) to run off the rails of a track.
  2. to become derailed; go astray.

noun

  1. a track device for derailing rolling stock in an emergency.

verb

  1. to go or cause to go off the rails, as a train, tram, etc

noun

  1. Also called: derailer mainly US a device designed to make rolling stock or locomotives leave the rails to avoid a collision or accident
v.

1850, in both transitive and intransitive senses, from French dérailler “to go off the rails,” from de- (see de-) + railler (see rail (n.1)). In general use first in U.S. Related: Derailed; derailing.

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