as in to distract
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
according to police, the suspect had been derailed in recent months by mounting financial problems
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Recent Examples of derail
This leadership crisis threatens to derail AI initiatives at a time when strategic AI implementation has never been more critical.
—
Bernard Marr, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Trump criticizes transgender athletes The President used part of his speech to spotlight Payton McNabb, a former high school volleyball player whose athletic career was derailed after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a match against a team that included a transgender woman.
—Nik Popli, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
Wilmore, the Starliner commander, and Williams’ short trip to space was derailed after issues with the Boeing Starliner that took them there prevented the astronauts from using it for the return.
—Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 5 Mar. 2025
Research has shown that prolonged exposure to high-stress environments can lead to burnout, anxiety and depression, potentially derailing even the most capable leaders.
—Ginni Saraswati, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for derail
Bernard Marr, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Trump criticizes transgender athletes The President used part of his speech to spotlight Payton McNabb, a former high school volleyball player whose athletic career was derailed after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a match against a team that included a transgender woman.
—Nik Popli, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
Wilmore, the Starliner commander, and Williams’ short trip to space was derailed after issues with the Boeing Starliner that took them there prevented the astronauts from using it for the return.
—Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 5 Mar. 2025
Research has shown that prolonged exposure to high-stress environments can lead to burnout, anxiety and depression, potentially derailing even the most capable leaders.
—Ginni Saraswati, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for derail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derail
Verb
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That means having a high-quality microphone and video camera so others aren’t distracted by your technology. 8.—
Joseph Liu,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
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Investors looking to distract themselves with a drink might, in fact, feel even more pain.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Carsley said during his spell as interim coach that White still had his ‘do not disturb’ status activated after Southgate’s departure last summer.—
Oliver Kay,
The Athletic,
13 Mar. 2025
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Seeing the body disturbs Mickey to her core, and sets her on a path to find Kacey.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
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By the end of the day, my T-zone had turned a little bit oily, but honestly, not enough to bother me.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
16 Mar. 2025
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The First Amendment’s free speech protection is under siege by the Trump administration and that should bother every American, including Republicans.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Twenty-two percent worry about the potentially dangerous consequences of messing up, such as plumbing leaks or electrical problems.—
Kristine Gill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Mar. 2025
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The young centre barely had time to worry about making a first impression on his new team: The Senators hosted the Rangers at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.—
Julian McKenzie,
The Athletic,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Trump has alarmed European allies by appearing to turn toward Moscow, breaking with decades of U.S. foreign policy.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2025
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Kennedy’s reaction to measles outbreaks alarms public health experts because the former lawyer embraces myths that vitamin A and cod liver oil are effective against the virus.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Plus, top economist Diane Swonk on what most concerns her about the economy right now.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2025
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However, many experts warn that the shortage of another crucial metal, used in electronics, wiring and even plumbing could be just as concerning.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Global markets are unsettled by the ongoing trade war and fear a recession is looming as a result.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
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This westward push has deeply unsettled continental Europe, which has traditionally relied on the United States, the most powerful NATO member, to contain Russian aggression.—
Raul Elizalde,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Fill the bucket with water and carefully (with rubber dish gloves) submerge the stained garment in the water, agitating slightly.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
2 Mar. 2025
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Astronauts will initiate the fermentation in space by adding water to the device, which will monitor the level of alcohol and mechanically agitate the mash to achieve successful fermentation.—
Akiko Katayama,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Derail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derail. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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