Afoul
(adverb)
- In a state of entanglement or conflict.
- In a manner contrary to the rules or standards.
Origin:
From a- + foul.
Examples:
- The boat's propeller became afoul of the fishing net.
- The two companies were afoul of each other's patents.
- The football player was called for going afoul of the rules.
- Her actions were clearly afoul of the company's code of conduct.
- The investigation found that the company had run afoul of several laws and regulations.