adjective / noun / verb / adverb
foul
An action that violates the permitted rules of play.
The referee calls a foul when a defender trips her opponent.
Etymology
The older adjective meant dirty or offensive. Sporting use applies that judgment to play that is impermissible, giving foul its noun sense of a rule-breaking action.
More examples
- Try to block the shot without fouling the shooter.
- The league suspends players for serious foul play.
- The batter hits the ball foul into the stands.
Forms
foul · fouls · fouled · fouling
Similar words
- infraction
- A minor rule breach, including conduct outside competitive play.
- violation
- A broader term covering broken rules, laws, or agreements.