DERAILMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Derailment is a noun that refers to the act or process of causing something, such as a train or plan, to leave its designated track or intended direction. It generally denotes an unforeseen incident or event that disrupts the normal course or progress of something, often resulting in chaos, disarray, or failure.
In the context of transportation, particularly trains, derailment occurs when a vehicle inadvertently leaves the rail track on which it is meant to run. This can happen due to various factors, such as mechanical failure, human error, damage to the track, or adverse weather conditions. Derailments can have devastating consequences, leading to injuries, fatalities, property damage, and significant economic impacts.
Beyond the literal sense, the term "derailment" can also be used metaphorically to describe the disruption or failure of plans, projects, or endeavors. In this sense, it signifies a deviation from the original or intended course, often resulting in negative consequences or setbacks. A business venture may experience a derailment if it encounters unexpected challenges or obstacles that prevent it from achieving its objectives. Similarly, a personal undertaking, such as a career or relationship, can suffer a derailment if it experiences a significant setback or deviation from the desired path.
Overall, "derailment" describes the physical or metaphorical deviation from the intended route or direction, resulting in disruption, failure, or unexpected consequences.
Common Misspellings for DERAILMENT
Etymology of DERAILMENT
The word "derailment" can be traced back to the verb "derail", which originated in the mid-19th century. It is a combination of two words: "de-" meaning "off" or "from", and "rail" meaning "a bar or series of bars placed on the ground as a track for railroad cars or the like". Therefore, "derail" literally means "to remove from the rails" or "to cause to run off the track".
The noun form "derailment" derived from the verb "derail" and signifies the act or instance of a train or vehicle running off its tracks. It is commonly used to describe a situation in which a train or any means of transportation departs from its intended path or course.
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