Afoul is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is still an important word to know. It is often used in legal contexts and has a specific meaning that is important to understand. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and different meanings of afoul, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Afoul is an adverb that means in a state of entanglement or collision. It is often used to describe a situation where two things have become tangled or caught up with each other, or where two parties have come into conflict or disagreement.
Origin
The word afoul comes from the Old English word afūl, which means “in a foul manner”. It was originally used to describe something that was dirty or unclean, but over time it came to be associated with entanglement or collision.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, afoul is defined as “in a state of entanglement or collision”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “in a state of conflict or disagreement”. In both cases, the word is used to describe a situation where two things have become tangled or caught up with each other, or where two parties have come into conflict or disagreement.
Associations
Afoul is often used in legal contexts to describe a situation where two parties have come into conflict or disagreement. It is also used in nautical contexts to describe a situation where a ship’s lines or rigging have become tangled or caught up with each other.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of afoul include tangled, snarled, ensnared, and entangled. These words all describe a situation where things have become caught up with each other or where there is a conflict or disagreement.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of afoul include untangled, disentangled, unencumbered, and unobstructed. These words describe a situation where things are not caught up with each other and there is no conflict or disagreement.
The same root words
The root word of afoul is foul, which comes from the Old English word fūl, meaning “dirty or unclean”. Other words that have the same root include foulness, foul-smelling, and foul-mouthed.
Example Sentences
- The ship’s lines became afoul in the storm, causing the crew to work frantically to untangle them.
- The two parties were afoul over the terms of the contract, and negotiations broke down.
- The dog’s leash became afoul around the tree, and it took some effort to free him.
- The traffic was afoul on the highway, causing long delays for commuters.
- The two friends became afoul over a disagreement about politics, and they stopped speaking to each other.