Main Entry: de·rail
Pronunciation: \di-ˈrāl, dē-\
Function: verb
Etymology: French dérailler to throw off the track, from dé- de- + rail, from English
Date: 1850
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}
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
— de·rail·ment \-mənt\ noun
