noun a word that functions as the name of a specific person, place, thing, or idea
preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence
to violate a contract or agreement
to break the rules or regulations of a game or competition
to come into conflict or opposition with a law, rule, or regulation
to collide or come into conflict with another ship or object
In legal writing, a writer might discuss a company that ran afoul of government regulations.
A psychologist might explore the reasons why individuals consistently run afoul of social norms.
A lawyer could advise a client on how to avoid running afoul of the law.
An accountant might uncover financial discrepancies that could put a company afoul of tax laws.
A marketing specialist could analyze how a campaign went afoul of consumer expectations.