Derail – Meaning, Definition, Synonyms and Antonyms
Derail is a verb in English. It can mean to cause something to leave its intended path (like a train leaving the tracks), or to disrupt a plan, discussion, or process so it no longer goes as expected.
Meaning:
Derail refers to deviating from a designated course, much like a train straying from its tracks. It also describes interruptions that stop a plan, meeting, investigation, or process from continuing in its proper direction.
Definition:
To derail is to interrupt, hinder, or steer something away from its original course. In everyday use, it often points to events that knock a schedule off track, change the topic of a conversation, or prevent a strategy from moving forward. In other contexts, it can literally describe a transportation incident where a vehicle leaves its rails.
Etymology:
The word derail comes from combining de- (meaning removal or separation) with rail (tracks). In English, its figurative sense developed over time: the idea of leaving the rails naturally extended to leaving the “track” of a plan or argument.
Example Sentences:
- The sudden storm derailed our travel plans and forced everyone to reschedule.
- His careless remark derailed the meeting by shifting the discussion away from the agenda.
- A minor technical issue derailed the rollout timeline for the new software.
- The unexpected budget cut nearly derailed the team’s expansion strategy.
- Stress and exhaustion can derail your focus, especially when you’re trying to meet deadlines.
- If we don’t address the misunderstanding early, it can derail the entire negotiation.
Derail Synonyms:
Derail Antonyms:
- Continue
- Advance
- Support
- Assist
- Proceed
- Enable
- Promote
- Facilitate
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