to cause (a train, streetcar, etc.) to run off the rails of a track.
2.
to cause to fail or become deflected from a purpose; reduce or delay the chances for success or development of: Being drafted into the army derailed his career for two years.
verb (used without object)
3.
(of a train, streetcar, etc.) to run off the rails of a track.
4.
to become derailed; go astray.
noun
5.
a track device for derailing rolling stock in an emergency.
Origin: 1840–50; < Frenchdérailler, equivalent to dé-dis-1 + -railler, verbal derivative of railrail1 (< E)