derail
2 synonyms for derail, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To come off, or cause something to come off, its railway tracks.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use derail
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
derail talks
derail a plan
derail the conversation
Etymology
From French derailler, "to go off the rails," from de- + rail.
Full origin of derail →Frequently asked questions
What does “derail” mean?
The word “derail” means to come off, or cause something to come off, its railway tracks. In plain terms, literally, to leave the tracks; figuratively, to knock a plan or discussion off course.
How do you pronounce “derail”?
“Derail” is pronounced duh-RAY-uhl (/ˌdəˈɹeɪ.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “derail” in a sentence?
Here is “derail” used in a sentence: “The freight train derailed just outside the station.”
What is another word for “derail”?
Words with a similar meaning to “derail” include unrail.
What part of speech is “derail”?
“Derail” is a verb.
Where does the word “derail” come from?
The word “derail” comes from French. From French derailler, "to go off the rails," from de- + rail.
How many meanings does “derail” have?
“Derail” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to come off, or cause something to come off, its railway tracks.
