railroad
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈreɪlroʊd/
KK: /ˈreɪlˌroʊd/
intransitive verb
Definition
To work for a company that operates trains and tracks.
Example
He decided to railroad after finishing his studies in engineering.
Tense Forms
Past: railroaded
Past Participle: railroaded
Conversation
I heard you railroad for that company now.
Yeah, it's been a great experience so far!
What do you enjoy most about working for the railroad?
I love the sense of community and the teamwork involved.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
conduct
operate
manage
Antonyms
neglect
ignore
abandon
noun
Definition
A type of transportation system that consists of tracks made of steel rails, used for trains to travel on.
Example
The railroad connects many cities across the country.
Conversation
Have you ever traveled by railroad before?
Yeah, I took a train trip last summer, and it was amazing!
I've always wanted to see the countryside from a railroad view.
transitive verb
Definition
To convict someone unfairly or to push something through quickly without proper consideration.
Example
The committee tried to railroad the new law without allowing for public debate.
Tense Forms
Past: railroaded
Past Participle: railroaded
Conversation
Did you hear about the new law they want to railroad through Congress?
Yeah, it seems like they’re trying to rush it without any real debate.
I just hope they don’t railroad important issues that need more discussion.
Root Explanation
Railroad → It is formed from "rail" (from Old French *raille*, meaning a bar or beam) and "road" (from Old English *rād*, meaning a way or path). The word "railroad" refers to a path or way made with rails for trains to travel on.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'bar' or 'beam' ('rail') laid down to create a 'path' ('road') for trains to travel on — that's what a railroad is.
Visually Confused Words
prorailroad
prerailroad
trainload
unrailroaded
nailrod
monorailroad