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Derailment: meaning, definitions and examples

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derailment

 

[ diːˈreɪlmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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.

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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.

  • The derailment caused significant delays to the service
  • Authorities are investigating the cause of the derailment
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.

  • There was a serious train accident this morning, causing multiple injuries
  • Train accidents are rare but can have severe consequences
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.

  • Maintenance teams are assessing the potential causes of off-track movement
  • The system malfunctioned, leading to an off-track movement

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

Translations of the word "derailment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descarrilamento

🇮🇳 पटरी से उतरना

🇩🇪 Entgleisung

🇮🇩 tergelincir

🇺🇦 сходження з рейок

🇵🇱 wykolejenie

🇯🇵 脱線 (dassen)

🇫🇷 déraillement

🇪🇸 descarrilamiento

🇹🇷 raydan çıkma

🇰🇷 탈선 (talson)

🇸🇦 خروج عن السكة

🇨🇿 vykolejení

🇸🇰 vykoľajenie

🇨🇳 脱轨 (tuōguǐ)

🇸🇮 iztirjenje

🇮🇸 úrsporing

🇰🇿 рельстен шығу

🇬🇪 რელსებიდან გადაბრუნება

🇦🇿 reysdən çıxma

🇲🇽 descarrilamiento

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,823, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.