derail

[US]/dɪˈreɪl/
[UK]/dɪˈreɪl/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vt. cause (a train) to go off its tracks
vi. go off the tracks
n. the act or instance of a train going off its tracks; a device used to prevent trains from going off tracks

Example Sentences

the plot is seen by some as an attempt to derail the negotiations.

a campaign derailed by lack of funds; a policy that derailed under the new administration.

the trams had a tendency to derail on sharp corners.

The train derailed after it hit a tree.

a train was derailed after it collided with a herd of cattle.

The train derailment caused a major traffic jam.

The project was derailed by unexpected budget cuts.

His reckless behavior could derail his career.

We must not let this issue derail our progress.

The negotiations were derailed by a misunderstanding.

A lack of funding could derail the entire project.

Her illness derailed her plans to travel.

Don't let minor setbacks derail your determination.

The scandal threatened to derail his political career.

The team's lack of coordination could derail the project.

Real-world Examples

This happened in the same area where a freight train derailed in July.

Source: CNN Listening December 2013 Collection

Scores of people were injured, 40 of them seriously when a train derailed.

Source: BBC Listening Collection July 2014

Or would it derail your day?

Source: Bilingual Edition of TED-Ed Selected Speeches

Over 100 people were killed when an overnight passenger train derailed in northern India.

Source: AP Listening November 2016 Collection

Officials say a fire is under control after a train derailed outside Baltimore Tuesday.

Source: AP Listening Collection May 2013

While civilization collapses have happened regularly, none have ever derailed the course of global civilization.

Source: Kurzgesagt science animation

Price controls can derail markets. And subsidies can distort them.

Source: Economic Crash Course

Two operators are dead following a landslide which derailed their train in Shaanxi.

Source: CRI Online November 2014 Collection

You want me to derail a homicide investigation.

Source: TV series Person of Interest Season 2

The train was traveling at more than twice the speed limit when it derailed on a bend.

Source: BBC Listening Compilation May 2014

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