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.

“It’s not that the courts are anti-Trump. In fact, he wins a lot. It’s really that he takes such an aggressive approach to policy making that he runs afoul of existing precedents.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Air Canada has run afoul of its bilingualism mandate in the past.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

If a trans person runs afoul of the law multiple times, they may be criminally charged with a misdemeanor.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

But if they cede too much responsibility to AI, that could lead to deficiencies in critical regulations and run afoul of a requirement that federal rules be built on reasoned decision-making.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

It was only a matter of time before they ran afoul of it.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides