sidetrack Meaning & Definition
What Does Sidetrack Mean?
As a noun, sidetrack means siding. It is also used to mean a position or condition of secondary importance to which one may be diverted. As a verb, it means to shunt aside (as to a railroad siding).
Sidetrack in Brief
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈsīd-ˌtrak/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | stray, depart and digress |
| Plural | sidetracks |
| Verb forms | sidetracks, sidetracking, sidetracked |
Sidetrack Definition (Noun)
- siding
- a position or condition of secondary importance to which one may be diverted
Sidetrack as a Verb
- to shunt aside (as to a railroad siding)
- to turn aside from a purpose : deflect
- to prevent action on by diversionary tactics
sidetrack an issue
Synonyms of Sidetrack
Sidetrack synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Sidetrack
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Sidetrack in a Sentence
Stay focused on the story; you keep getting lost in all of these little sidetracks.
Sorry I'm late. I got sidetracked helping my friend move some furniture.
The politician sidetracked the reporter with a story about duck hunting instead of a direct response to the question that was asked.
I hope you can sidetrack the teacher with questions so we don't have to take the exam.
The project was sidetracked in favor of a more popular program.
He has sidetracked this debate for far too long.
Just to sidetrack a little bit from the subject I will explain my reasoning.
To sidetrack for a moment, let me commend this team for their outstanding efforts.
sidetrack an issue
Word Forms & Grammar
sidetrack
sidetracks
side·tracked
side·track·ing
side·tracks
sidetracked
sidetracking
sidetrack (plural sidetracks)
sidetrack (third-person singular simple present sidetracks, present participle sidetracking, simple past and past participle sidetracked)
Words That Rhyme With Sidetrack
Origin of Sidetrack
From side + track.
First Known Use
1828
1871
Pronouncing Sidetrack
The standard pronunciation of sidetrack is /ˈsīd-ˌtrak/, spoken in 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (sīd).
Quick Answers About Sidetrack
Is sidetrack a noun or a verb?
Sidetrack is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for sidetrack?
Words with a similar meaning to sidetrack include stray, depart and digress. See the full list of sidetrack synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of sidetrack?
The plural of sidetrack is sidetracks.
What is the past tense of sidetrack?
The past tense of sidetrack is sidetracked. The present participle is sidetracking.