afoul

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.

“It’s not that the courts are anti-Trump. In fact, he wins a lot. It’s really that he takes such an aggressive approach to policy making that he runs afoul of existing precedents.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Air Canada has run afoul of its bilingualism mandate in the past.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Fox opened an investigation and concluded that Martin had run afoul of a rule of professional conduct that forbids attorneys from violating their oath of office, which includes a vow to support the U.S.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

But if they cede too much responsibility to AI, that could lead to deficiencies in critical regulations and run afoul of a requirement that federal rules be built on reasoned decision-making.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

He gestured toward the man who had ran afoul of Falconer, and who had stood up for me before the other players.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood