IPA: /reɪl/
KK: /reɪl/
To complain or criticize someone or something in a loud and angry way.
He began to rail against the unfair treatment he received at work.
Past: railed
Past Participle: railed
A long, narrow bar or structure that is used for support or as a barrier, often found in fences, doors, or as tracks for trains.
The children played safely near the rail of the playground.
To provide or surround something with long, narrow pieces of material, often used for support or protection.
The workers will rail the new garden with wooden fences to keep the animals out.
Past: railed
Past Participle: railed
The word 'rail' originates from Old French 'raille' (meaning a bar or rod) and is related to the Old English 'regal' (meaning a straight piece of wood). The term refers to a long, narrow piece of material, typically used for support or as a barrier.
Think of a 'bar' or 'rod' that provides support or a boundary — that's what a rail is.