foul

AdjectiveTransitive Verb[C/U] Both

pl: foulspast: fouledpp: fouleding: fouling

The word carries a heavy sense of corruption and violation. When describing smells or tastes, it suggests something that is not just unpleasant, but biologically repulsive or decaying. It evokes a visceral reaction of disgust. In a sporting or moral context, it shifts from physical disgust to a breach of a social or legal contract. It implies a deliberate or clumsy act that ruins the integrity of a fair contest, moving the feeling from sensory repulsion to a sense of injustice.

Countable when referring to a specific rule violation in a game (three fouls). Uncountable when describing a general state of filth or corruption.

Meanings

Adjective

disgusting in smell or taste

"The air was thick with a foul stench of rotting fish."

Adjective

unfair or breaking the rules of a game

"The player was penalized for a foul tackle."

Adjective

"The sailors struggled to navigate through the foul weather."

Noun

"The referee called a foul against the home team."

Transitive Verb

[someone][something]

"The oil spill fouled the pristine waters of the bay."

Transitive Verb

[someone]

to commit a foul against a player in sports

"He fouled the striker just outside the penalty area."

Last Updated: May 27, 2026•Report an Error