sidetracked

[ sahyd-trakt ]

adjective

1. distracted from the main subject, task, course, etc.:

   Sorry for not replying sooner—I’m an easily sidetracked guy with poor time management.

2. (of a train) moved from the main track to a siding, where it stops temporarily:

   Rail officials agreed to move a sidetracked train after local residents complained of the noise, fumes, and vibrations.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of sidetrack.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sidetracked¹

First recorded in 1880–85; sidetrack ( def ) + -ed ²( def ) for the adjective senses; sidetrack ( def ) + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

"There aren't enough tickets for everybody," organiser Emily Eavis told the BBC's Sidetracked podcast earlier this year.

From BBC

She told the BBC's Sidetracked podcast that someone brat might have "a pack of cigs, a Bic lighter and a strappy white top with no bra".

From BBC

On Sept. 19 of last year, Ohtani underwent a Tommy John revision surgery to repair a tendon in his elbow; a procedure that sidetracked him from pitching this season, and also threatened to compromise his abilities at the plate.

From Los Angeles Times

He got sidetracked on issues such as the size of crowds at his rallies and a bizarre — and debunked — claim that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are killing and eating household pets.

From Los Angeles Times

Too sidetracked by the endless rows of showstopping vehicles, he foregoes a goodbye.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aground
• ashore
• grounded
• helpless
• wrecked