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
But the measure raised questions about how much the frame could broach over the state name or sticker before running afoul of the law.
—
Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
The lack of explanation left the door open for lower courts to continue blocking the termination of TPS for other countries without technically running afoul of any specific guidance from the justices.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 16 Mar. 2026
The administration contends that California‘s state-level EV requirements run afoul of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975—the law that created the foundation for today’s federal environmental regulations.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
The law allowed people with disabilities and their families to save without running afoul of a $2,000 federal asset limit.
—Michael Frerichs, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for afoul of
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Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
The lack of explanation left the door open for lower courts to continue blocking the termination of TPS for other countries without technically running afoul of any specific guidance from the justices.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 16 Mar. 2026
The administration contends that California‘s state-level EV requirements run afoul of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975—the law that created the foundation for today’s federal environmental regulations.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
The law allowed people with disabilities and their families to save without running afoul of a $2,000 federal asset limit.
—Michael Frerichs, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for afoul of
Cite this Entry
“Afoul of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afoul%20of. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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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