to pull or let something hang so that it drags along the ground behind you.
She trailed her scarf in the snow without noticing.
The little boy trailed his toy truck by a string across the yard.
to move slowly or fall behind others because you are tired or slower.
The children trailed behind their teacher during the museum tour.
I started to trail after the fourth mile of the race.
to be behind an opponent in points, votes, or progress.
Our team trailed by two goals at halftime.
The candidate still trails her rival in the latest polls.
to grow or hang downward or over a surface in a loose line.
Ivy trailed down the old brick wall.
Her long hair trailed over her shoulders.
to secretly follow someone in order to find out where they go or what they do.
The private detective trailed the suspect for three days.
Police cars trailed the stolen van along the highway.
to speak or complain angrily and loudly, especially against something
Protesters gathered to rail against the new tax law.
Online commenters continued to rail at the decision long after the meeting ended.
✦ From Old French railler meaning to tease or mock, later shifting to angry complaint.
