adverb in a state of conflict, confusion, or disorder
preposition in or into a state of difficulty or disfavor
In legal contexts, 'afoul' is used to indicate a violation or conflict with rules, regulations, or laws.
In aviation, 'afoul' may refer to a situation where aircraft are in close proximity or on a collision course, such as 'two planes came afoul of each other.'
In nautical terminology, 'afoul' is used to describe when something becomes entangled or in conflict with another object, such as a ship's rigging getting afoul of a mast.
In writing, 'afoul' is often used to describe a situation where something has gone wrong or become problematic. For example, a writer may mention that the protagonist's plans went afoul when they encountered unexpected obstacles.
Psychologists may use the term 'afoul' when discussing conflicts or problems that arise in interpersonal relationships. They might talk about how two individuals' communication styles went afoul, leading to misunderstandings or tension.
Lawyers may use 'afoul' in legal contexts to describe situations where someone has violated a law or regulation. For instance, a lawyer might argue that a defendant's actions went afoul of a specific statute.
In business analysis, 'afoul' could be used to describe situations where a company's strategies or plans have deviated from the intended course, resulting in negative outcomes. A business analyst might discuss how a particular decision went afoul of the company's long-term goals.