Phrase guide

run afoul

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To become entangled or in conflict with.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive, transitive

Topics: nautical, transport

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

go against, as of rules and laws

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • He ran afoul of the law
  • This behavior conflicts with our rules

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: conflict, infringe, contravene

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: transgress, offend, infract, violate, go against, breach, break

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.