Pronunciation: /əˈfaʊl/

Definitions of afoul

adverb in a state of conflict, confusion, or disorder

Example Sentences

A1 I accidentally knocked over the vase and it fell afoul of the table.

A2 The cat's tail got caught afoul of the chair as it tried to escape.

B1 The project ran afoul of budget constraints, causing delays.

B2 The new regulations have left many businesses running afoul of compliance issues.

C1 The company's expansion plans have run afoul of local zoning laws.

C2 The politician's controversial statements have put him afoul of public opinion.

preposition in or into a state of difficulty or disfavor

Example Sentences

A1 The cat's tail got afoul of the curtain.

A2 The boat's propeller became afoul of a fishing net.

B1 The new regulations may run afoul of existing laws.

B2 The company's expansion plans could go afoul if market conditions change.

C1 The politician's controversial statements have gone afoul of public opinion.

C2 The negotiations between the two countries may go afoul due to disagreements over trade policies.

Examples of afoul in a Sentence

formal The project ran afoul of several regulatory requirements.

informal I think we might run afoul of the boss if we don't finish this report on time.

slang If you keep skipping class, you're going to get afoul with the school authorities.

figurative Her plans went afoul when unexpected obstacles arose.

Grammatical Forms of afoul

past tense

ran afoul

plural

afouls

comparative

more afoul

superlative

most afoul

present tense

run afoul

future tense

will run afoul

perfect tense

have run afoul

continuous tense

is running afoul

singular

afoul

positive degree

afoul

infinitive

to run afoul

gerund

running afoul

participle

afouling

Origin and Evolution of afoul

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'afoul' originated from Middle English, likely derived from the phrase 'on fowl' meaning 'in a tangle'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'afoul' has come to mean in a state of conflict or difficulty, diverging from its original meaning of being tangled or in a mess.