Foul

/faʊl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An action or instance of committing a fault or violation.

The referee called a foul for pushing another player.

Something that is foul; an offense.

The foul odor in the room was unbearable.

verb

To make something dirty or unclean.

The factory's waste began to foul the nearby river.

To commit a foul in sports or games.

He fouled his opponent during the basketball game.

adjective

Offensive to the senses, especially through having a disgusting smell or taste.

The foul stench from the garbage made it difficult to breathe.

Morally or ethically bad or wicked.

He had a foul temper that made him difficult to work with.

Causing harm or injury; harmful.

The fouling of the waters presented a serious environmental danger.

Middle English, from Old English fūl meaning 'foul, filthy, disgusting'.

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.

To mess up or fail.

He totally fouled his chances at the promotion.

To cheat or play unfairly.

Don't foul me like that in the game!