derailment

/di'reilmənt/

Thân thiện

A train derailment caused a temporary closure of the main line.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An accident in which a train runs off its track: A derailment is an incident where a train leaves the rails it is supposed to travel on.

Usage

• The term "derailment" is used specifically to describe a railway accident. It is a countable noun.
• It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, though the figurative use is an extension and not the primary definition.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The derailment caused major delays on the commuter line.
  • Investigators are looking into the cause of the freight train derailment.
  • Fortunately, there were no serious injuries in the derailment.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: While the core meaning is literal, "derailment" can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe a sudden, disruptive change or failure in a process or plan.
  • The scandal caused a derailment of his political career. (This usage implies a career was suddenly thrown off its expected course, similar to a train leaving its tracks.)

Variants and Related Words

• Derail (verb): To cause a train to run off its tracks. Figuratively, to cause something to go off course or fail.
  • The obstruction on the track could derail the locomotive.
  • Unexpected costs threatened to derail the project.

Synonyms

• Train accident: A more general term for any accident involving a train.
• Off-tracking: A less common technical term for a derailment.

Antonyms

• Safe passage: An uneventful and safe journey along the tracks.
• On-schedule operation: The normal, intended running of a train service.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an accident in which a train runs off its track