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VocabJLPT N1

derailment

NounSuru VerbIntransitive Verb

Definitions

1. derailment
2. digression

This noun and verb (as する compound) literally means a train derailment, but it is very commonly used figuratively to mean going off-topic or straying from the main point in a conversation. You might hear it used humorously when a discussion wanders away from its original subject.

Example sentences

Sentence 1

On our Sunday drive, the conversation drifted off and turned into a walk down memory lane.

Sentence 2

The on-site investigation found that the wheel damage was linked to the derailment.

Sentence 3

"We've gone off topic," he said, cutting things off abruptly.

Sentence 4

Apparently a train derailed just past that intersection!

Sentence 5

The engineer described the impact of the derailment as "a violent jolt."