1. railway tracks that branch off from a main line
Usage: plural form; railroad terminology

1. to divert someone or something from a main purpose or course of action
Usage: third person singular present tense

Examples

• The interesting article sidetracks her from studying for the exam.
• Don’t let minor details sidetrack you from your main goal.
• The teacher sidetracks the discussion with personal anecdotes.
• The freight train uses the sidetracks to avoid blocking passenger service.
• Several sidetracks connect the factory to the main railroad.
• Workers maintain the sidetracks that serve the industrial district.