PoliticsAugust 23, 2026
afoul
uh-FOUL
Definition
In conflict or disagreement with something, often a law, rule, or regulation.
Etymology
Originating from the Middle English 'on foul', the term originally meant 'into entanglement' or 'into collision', derived from the word 'foul' in its sense of being messy or obstructive. It evolved to describe physically hitting or becoming entangled with something, eventually shifting to its modern figurative use for violating rules.
In the news
The article uses 'ran afoul' to describe how the government's immigration policy violated federal antidiscrimination protections. It is crucial because this legal violation was the basis for the judge's decision to strike down the visa ban.
Trump’s visa ban on 75 countries struck down by federal judge
Read the full article ↗The Washington Post