Railroaded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
railroaded
[หreษชlหrษrdษชd ]
Definition
legal situation
To railroad someone is to rush them into a decision or action, often in a way that is unfair or unethical. This term is often used in legal contexts where an individual feels they have been treated unjustly or without proper process.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The defendant felt he was railroaded during the trial.
- They railroaded the decision without allowing for proper discussion.
- She accused the committee of trying to railroad her proposal.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'railroaded'
The term 'railroaded' originates from the practices associated with railroads in the 19th century, particularly in the United States. Railroads were critical in connecting various parts of the country and facilitating rapid development. However, the term quickly took on a negative connotation, as it came to symbolize the way decisions were made quickly and without due process, akin to how a train travels on its tracks with little regard for obstacles in its path. The metaphor draws on the image of being forced along a predetermined route, highlighting feelings of being trapped or guided without choice. The usage of the term expanded over time to encompass any situation where an individual feels rushed or forced into a decision or action without adequate opportunity for consideration.