afoul

Definitions

In a state of collision or entanglement: with of: as, a ship with its shrouds afoul; the brig ran afoul of the steamer. …☝️ Source: The Century Dictionary (view on wordnik.com)
In collision; entangled. adverb …☝️ Source: The GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English (view on wordnik.com)
to run against or come into collision with, especially so as to become entangled or to cause injury. adverb …☝️ Source: The GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English (view on wordnik.com)
In a state of entanglement or conflict with. adverb …☝️ Source: Wiktionary (view on wordnik.com)
especially of a ship's lines etc adjective …☝️ Source: WordNet 3.0 (view on wordnik.com)

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1809, originally nautical, "in collision or entanglement," from a- (1) + foul (adj.). From 1833 in general sense of "in violent or hostile conflict," mainly in phrases such as run afoul of.1809, 1833

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