derail

verb

de·​rail di-ˈrāl How to pronounce derail (audio)
dē-
derailed; derailing; derails
Synonyms of derailnext

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 employee.—Joanne Gordon

intransitive verb

: to leave the rails
derailment
di-ˈrāl-mənt How to pronounce derail (audio)
dē-
noun

Synonyms of derail

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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.
Her life is an example of how getting out of poverty in Sacramento can be delayed and derailed in many ways. — Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026 While many returned to the liner with goal fulfilled, a fair number were derailed at the gate. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Oil flows have dropped amid the intensifying attacks, derailing an uptick in movement seen earlier this month. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 More than one plan to reopen the Uptown has been announced with much fanfare and anticipation, only to get derailed. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for derail

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Browse Nearby Words

deraign
derail
derailleur
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Derail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derail. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
-mənt How to pronounce derail (audio)
noun
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