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derail
Derail (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does derail mean?
To cause something, such as a train, vehicle, project, or plan, to veer off course or deviate from its intended path.
"The scandalous revelations threatened to derail the politician's campaign."
Detailed Meaning of Derail
It involves a sudden or unexpected disruption that leads to a loss of control or failure to proceed as originally intended. To derail is to hinder, obstruct, or interrupt the progress or functioning of something, often resulting in negative consequences. It implies a significant deviation or deviation from the planned or desired trajectory, potentially leading to delays, accidents, or the overall failure of the endeavor. Metaphorically, "derail" can also be used to describe the disruption or diversion of a discussion, conversation, or event from its intended focus or purpose, causing it to become unproductive or ineffective.
Example Sentences for Derail
1. The unexpected financial crisis could derail the company's expansion plans.
2. The sudden illness of the lead actor might derail the production of the movie.
3. A lack of focus can easily derail your efforts to achieve your goals.
4. The team is worried that internal conflicts will derail their project.
5. The coach is making sure that nothing will derail the team's preparation for the big game.
6. The unexpected snowstorm threatens to derail the travel plans for many people.
Origin and Etymology of Derail
The verb 'derail' has an etymology that reflects its meaning quite vividly. It is formed by combining two words: 'de' and 'rail.' The word 'rail' refers to the tracks or rails upon which trains or vehicles run. The addition of the prefix 'de,' meaning 'off' or 'away from,' to 'rail' creates the word 'derail,' which accurately conveys the idea of causing something, such as a train, vehicle, project, or plan, to veer off course or deviate from its intended path by coming off the rails. The word 'derail' has maintained a straightforward and intuitive connection to the concept of going off track or losing alignment with the designated path, making it a fitting term for describing such occurrences.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the verb derail:
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More Usage Examples of Derail
1. Poor communication can often derail a good working relationship.
2. They must address these technical issues quickly, so they don't derail the software launch.
3. An injury has the potential to derail an athlete’s career.
4. The community is concerned that the new development could derail the neighborhood's character.
5. A sudden change in market conditions can derail an investment strategy.
6. The teachers are worried that budget cuts will derail the educational programs.
7. The family hopes that no obstacles will derail their plans for a summer vacation.
8. The company took preventive measures to ensure that cyber attacks don’t derail their operations.
9. His sudden indecisiveness could derail the whole negotiation process.
10. The scandal threatens to derail the politician's campaign.
11. She had to overcome many personal challenges that threatened to derail her academic career.
12. They need to resolve their differences, or they might derail the success of the partnership.
13. Procrastination can derail your productivity and lead to unnecessary stress.
14. A mechanical failure could derail the train’s schedule.
Synonyms and Related Words for Derail
Related Vocabulary Practice
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✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT