Afoul (adverb)

  1. In a state of entanglement or conflict.
  2. In a manner contrary to the rules or standards.

Origin:

From a- + foul.

Examples:

  1. The boat's propeller became afoul of the fishing net.
  2. The two companies were afoul of each other's patents.
  3. The football player was called for going afoul of the rules.
  4. Her actions were clearly afoul of the company's code of conduct.
  5. The investigation found that the company had run afoul of several laws and regulations.
Some random words: diva, secular, misfeasance