Meaning & Definition of word "Foul"
to
Foul
/faʊl/
noun:
- 1. An action or instance of committing a fault or violation.
- Example: The referee called a foul for pushing another player.
- 2. Something that is foul; an offense.
- Example: The foul odor in the room was unbearable.
verb:
- 1. To make something dirty or unclean.
- Example: The factory's waste began to foul the nearby river.
- 2. To commit a foul in sports or games.
- Example: He fouled his opponent during the basketball game.
adjective:
- 1. Offensive to the senses, especially through having a disgusting smell or taste.
- Example: The foul stench from the garbage made it difficult to breathe.
- 2. Morally or ethically bad or wicked.
- Example: He had a foul temper that made him difficult to work with.
- 3. Causing harm or injury; harmful.
- Example: The fouling of the waters presented a serious environmental danger.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English fūl meaning 'foul, filthy, disgusting'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
foul play:
Deceptive or dishonest behavior.
foul mood:
A state of being in a bad or unpleasant mood.
foul language:
Curse words or highly offensive speech.
Related Words
fouling:
The act of making something dirty or polluting.
foulness:
The quality of being foul; uncleanliness.
Slang Meanings of foul
Meaning: To mess up or fail.
Example Sentence: He totally fouled his chances at the promotion.
Meaning: To cheat or play unfairly.
Example Sentence: Don't foul me like that in the game!