Railroad: meaning, definitions and examples

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railroad

[ˈreɪlrəʊd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

transportation

A railroad is a system of transport consisting of a series of connected tracks along which trains travel.

Synonyms

railway, train track.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
railroad	Commonly used in American English to refer to a system of tracks for trains, or the companies that operate them. The railroad company has announced new routes for the summer
railway	Primarily used in British English to describe a system of tracks for trains, or the infrastructure and companies associated with it. She works for the national railway service in the UK
train track	Usually used to describe the physical rails on which trains run. The old train track runs through the center of town

Word

Description / Examples

railroad

Commonly used in American English to refer to a system of tracks for trains, or the companies that operate them.

The railroad company has announced new routes for the summer

railway

Primarily used in British English to describe a system of tracks for trains, or the infrastructure and companies associated with it.

She works for the national railway service in the UK

train track

Usually used to describe the physical rails on which trains run.

The old train track runs through the center of town

Examples of usage

The railroad played a crucial role in the expansion of the United States.
She took the railroad to travel across the country.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

impose

To railroad means to force something through quickly without proper consideration.

Synonyms

bulldoze, push through.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
railroad	This duplicative term entry seems to be an error, as it is identical to the first term. See the first entry for context and examples.
push through	This term describes the act of making something happen despite difficulties or resistance. It can be either neutral or slightly positive depending on context. They managed to push through their proposal despite substantial opposition. It took a lot of effort, but we finally pushed through the last-minute changes.
bulldoze	This term is used when someone is forcefully moving or destroying something, often used metaphorically for overpowering opposition. It generally has a negative connotation. He bulldozed through the objections to get his project approved. The developers bulldozed the old buildings to clear space for new construction.

Word

Description / Examples

railroad

This duplicative term entry seems to be an error, as it is identical to the first term. See the first entry for context and examples.

push through

This term describes the act of making something happen despite difficulties or resistance. It can be either neutral or slightly positive depending on context.

They managed to push through their proposal despite substantial opposition.
It took a lot of effort, but we finally pushed through the last-minute changes.

bulldoze

This term is used when someone is forcefully moving or destroying something, often used metaphorically for overpowering opposition. It generally has a negative connotation.

He bulldozed through the objections to get his project approved.
The developers bulldozed the old buildings to clear space for new construction.

Examples of usage

They tried to railroad the new policy without consulting the team.
She felt railroaded into making a decision.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The concept of using tracks for trains dates back to ancient Greece, with stone roads known as ‘wagonways’.
The first full-scale working railway steam locomotive, named 'Locomotion No 1', ran in 1825 in England, revolutionizing transport.
In the United States, the Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869, connecting the east and west coasts for the first time.

Technology

Railroads spurred advancements in engineering, including the creation of bridges and tunnels.
Electric trains, introduced in the late 19th century, improved efficiency and reduced pollution compared to steam engines.
The development of automated signals and control systems has enhanced railroad safety and management.

Cultural Impact

Railroads played a significant role in shaping the American West, leading to new settlements and economic growth.
In literature and music, trains are often symbols of adventure and freedom, as seen in many folk songs and novels.
The famous route called the 'Orient Express' linked Paris to Istanbul, becoming a symbol of luxury travel in the early 20th century.

Economics

Railroads are a key element in freight transport, moving goods efficiently across long distances at lower costs.
The railroad industry significantly contributed to the industrial revolution by facilitating the movement of raw materials and finished products.
In many countries, rail networks are crucial for the economy, enabling trade and reducing traffic congestion on roads.

Geography

Railroads often follow natural pathways, such as valleys and riverbanks, optimizing routes for ease of travel.
Countries with extensive rail networks, like Japan with its Shinkansen (bullet trains), display advanced transportation systems.
Different countries utilize various gauges (widths of tracks), affecting train speed and compatibility between systems.

Translations

Translations of the word "railroad" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ferrovia

🇮🇳 रेलवे

🇩🇪 Eisenbahn

🇮🇩 rel kereta api

🇺🇦 залізниця

🇵🇱 kolej

🇯🇵 鉄道 (てつどう)

🇫🇷 chemin de fer

🇪🇸 ferrocarril

🇹🇷 demiryolu

🇰🇷 철도 (cheoldo)

🇸🇦 سكة حديدية

🇨🇿 železnice

🇸🇰 železnica

🇨🇳 铁路 (tiělù)

🇸🇮 železnica

🇮🇸 járnbraut

🇰🇿 темір жол

🇬🇪 რკინიგზა

🇦🇿 dəmir yolu

🇲🇽 ferrocarril