Derailment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
derailment
[diหหreษชlmษnt ]
Definition
train accident
The derailment is the unexpected and sudden off-track movement of a train, often resulting in damage to the train, tracks, and potentially causing injuries or fatalities.
Synonyms
off-track movement, train accident.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| derailment |
This term is most commonly used when a train leaves its tracks. It's a formal and technical term used in news reports and official statements about safety incidents.
|
| train accident |
This is a broader term that includes any kind of accident involving a train, not just derailments. It could be a collision, derailment, or other incidents involving trains. It's commonly used in everyday conversation and media reports.
|
| off-track movement |
This term is less specific and more general than 'derailment'. It's often used in technical or engineering contexts to describe any situation where a vehicle or machinery moves off its intended path.
|
Examples of usage
- The derailment of the train was caused by a faulty track switch.
- After the derailment, emergency services were called to the scene to assist with the injured passengers.
- The investigation into the derailment revealed a maintenance issue with the tracks.
- The derailment delayed train services for several hours.
- The derailment was a major news story, with reporters on the scene providing updates.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Transportation
- In the United States, the most frequent causes of derailments include track defects, human error, and equipment failure.
- Safety measures, including better materials for tracks and advanced technologies, have significantly reduced derailment incidents.
- Derailments can cause substantial economic losses, not only in train services but also affecting local businesses and supply chains.
Psychology
- Derailment can be used metaphorically in therapy, where it describes a sudden, unexpected disruption in a person's thoughts or behaviors.
- In cognitive behavioral therapy, helping an individual recognize and adjust 'derailed' thoughts is a key component of recovery.
- The concept of 'derailing' in conversations refers to a speaker getting side-tracked, losing focus on the main topic.
Literature
- In literature, 'derailment' can symbolize a characterโs journey off their intended path, representing themes of chaos and unpredictability.
- Many authors use the metaphor of derailment to convey emotional or psychological turmoil in their characters' lives.
- The term appears in various literary analyses to describe plots that deviate significantly from their initial trajectories, leading to unexpected resolutions.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'derailing a conversation' is commonly used in social media and memes to describe when someone changes the topic unexpectedly.
- Movies and shows often depict train derailments as dramatic events, symbolizing larger conflicts or crises within the story.
- The term has also found its way into gaming, where a player's strategy can 'derail' if they make a bad decision mid-game.
Origin of 'derailment'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the combination of 'de-' meaning 'away from' and 'rail', which refers to the tracks trains run on.
- It began to be used in English around the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of rail transport.
- Originally referring to trains, its application has broadened to describe any failure or disruption.
The word 'derailment' originated from the verb 'derail', which dates back to the early 19th century. The concept of a train coming off its tracks has been a concern since the development of railways. The word embodies the unexpected and potentially dangerous nature of such an event, highlighting the importance of safety measures in the transportation industry.
See also: derailed.