afoul of
preposition
1
: in or into conflict with
ran afoul of the law
2
: in or into collision or entanglement with
Examples of afoul of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ride or Die sees Mike and Marcus finally break bad and run afoul of the law — at least in the eyes of Miami PD.
—
Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 7 June 2024
Behind the scenes, however, Gao appears to have cut some crucial corners while operating his fund, alienating his investors and possibly running afoul of key SEC rules.
—Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 7 June 2024
Even after his 34 felony convictions last week, the ex-President seemed incapable of demonstrating contrition or remorse, and appeared ready to defy anything that ran afoul of his self-confidence.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 6 June 2024
This is the novel’s most compelling section — Gordon ekes out a living, runs afoul of his pious father’s homophobia, and, to use the author’s favored metaphor, finally comes into focus for the reader.
—Rumaan Alam, New York Times, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for afoul of 
Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 7 June 2024
Behind the scenes, however, Gao appears to have cut some crucial corners while operating his fund, alienating his investors and possibly running afoul of key SEC rules.
—Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 7 June 2024
Even after his 34 felony convictions last week, the ex-President seemed incapable of demonstrating contrition or remorse, and appeared ready to defy anything that ran afoul of his self-confidence.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 6 June 2024
This is the novel’s most compelling section — Gordon ekes out a living, runs afoul of his pious father’s homophobia, and, to use the author’s favored metaphor, finally comes into focus for the reader.
—Rumaan Alam, New York Times, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for afoul of
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Cite this Entry
“Afoul of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afoul%20of. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
afoul of
preposition1
: in or into collision or entanglement with
one ship ran afoul of the other
2
: in or into conflict with
they fell afoul of the law
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