derailment
UK: dɪˈreɪlmənt | US: dɪˈreɪlmənt
n. the act of a train or tram leaving its tracks accidentally
n. (figurative) a disruption or deviation from an intended course or plan
The word "derailment" combines the prefix "de-" (from Latin, meaning "off" or "away"), the root "rail" (from Old French "reille," meaning "bar" or "track"), and the suffix "-ment" (from Latin "-mentum," forming nouns denoting action or result). Literally, it describes a train coming "off the tracks." Figuratively, it evolved to describe any sudden deviation from a planned path, reflecting the disruptive nature of the original event.
The derailment caused significant delays on the commuter line.
Investigators are still determining the cause of the freight train derailment.
His sudden resignation was a derailment of the company’s leadership strategy.
The project suffered a derailment when funding was abruptly cut.
Emotional stress can lead to a derailment of one’s career plans.