Derailed Meaning in English
word · lemma: derail
Definition
'Derailed' means a train has come off its tracks, or more generally, that a plan, process, or conversation has been interrupted or thrown off course.
Usage & Nuances
Often used figuratively for meetings, projects, or conversations that are interrupted or lose focus. More formal/literal when referring to trains. Common collocations: 'get derailed', 'plans derailed', 'conversation derailed'. Not typically used to describe people as 'derailed.'
Example Sentences
The train derailed near the station.
basic
His project was derailed by unexpected problems.
basic
The discussion derailed after someone changed the topic.
basic
The whole meeting derailed when people started arguing.
natural
Our vacation plans got totally derailed by the storm.
natural
Sorry, I got derailed—what was I saying?
natural