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Definitions

afoul

[uh-foul] / əˈfaʊl /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Whatever work your business hires your child to do, make sure it does not run afoul of any federal or local labor laws.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

The FCC first launched its Disney probe in March 2025 into whether the company was still engaging in DEI practices that run afoul of the regulatory agency’s equal employment opportunity rules.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

More recently, it ran afoul of Pokémon’s legions by cribbing that franchise’s signature font and imagery.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

He ran afoul of some in the orchestra and of its imperious head, Ernest Fleischmann.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

The Reagan had run afoul of nuclear power’s thorniest problem: radioactive isotopes.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland




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