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.

Whatever work your business hires your child to do, make sure it does not run afoul of any federal or local labor laws.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

Over time, the promise of fair pricing became enmeshed with an even loftier assurance: by partnering with “ethical factories,” it would sell better-made clothing in a way that didn’t run afoul of the customer’s morals.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

Phelan, a former businessman with close ties to Trump who helped fundraising efforts for his presidential campaigns, ran afoul of both the president and Hegseth during his tenure, according to CNN.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

He ran afoul of some in the orchestra and of its imperious head, Ernest Fleischmann.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

But anyone who fell afoul of them was still put through the ordeal of inquisition as a traitor.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein