foul

//faʊl//
B2Frequency Level 10Neutral
Visual representation of foul

Adjective

foulCanonical form
foulerComparative
foulestSuperlative
1

Having an offensive smell or taste; disgusting or revolting.

There was a foul smell coming from the garbage.

2

Morally offensive; wicked or vile.

The villain committed a foul deed that shocked the entire village.

3

(Of weather) stormy, wet, or unpleasant.

The match was postponed due to foul weather.

4

(In sports) contrary to the rules; unfair or illegal.

The referee called a foul play after the tackle.

Noun

1

(In sports) an action that violates the rules of a game.

The referee called a foul on the player.

2

A collision or entanglement, especially in sailing or fishing.

The fishing lines got into a foul and took an hour to untangle.

Verb

foulInfinitive
foulPresent tense
fouledPast tense
fouledPast participle
foulingPresent participle
foulsThird-person singular
1

To make dirty or pollute.

The factory fouled the river with toxic waste.

2

(In sports) to commit a foul against another player.

The defender fouled the striker in the penalty area.

3

To become entangled or blocked.

The fishing line fouled in the weeds.