Afoul
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /əˈfaʊl/ · Part of speech adverb
Quick meaning: Afoul is an adverb meaning (with of) In a state of entanglement or conflict (with).
Meaning
(with of) In a state of entanglement or conflict (with).
More Meanings
- (archaic, principally nautical) In a state of collision or entanglement.
Example Sentences
The ships’ lines and sails were all afoul.
He had a knack for running afoul of the law.
After paying out chain, we swung clear, but our anchors were no doubt afoul of hers.
He committed acts which put him afoul of Empire law, details classified, twenty-six years ago.
Synonyms for afoul
Depending on context, synonyms include foul, fouled.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include foul, fouled, tangled, contrary, tanglingly, hugger-mugger.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.