afoul of

preposition

ə-ˈfau̇-ləv 

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

Returning to Haiti after playing professional football in Europe, Chevalier runs afoul of President François Duvalier—an incident with dangerous consequences. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

The City Council passed a 150-day moratorium on new data center developments in June, giving city staff until at least November to come up with policy recommendations on how the city can regulate them without running afoul of state law. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026

The document includes photos to illustrate what sleeping arrangements run afoul of Sacramento’s camping ordinance and what sleeping arrangements do not. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Although candidates for Florida office regularly run afoul of the rules, Stark’s situation is an extraordinary snafu involving a political incumbent. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

afoul "fouled, tangled," from a- entry 1 + foul entry 1

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for afoul of

• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove
• hereinabove

Kids Definition

afoul of

preposition

ə-ˈfau̇-ləv 

1

: 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