foul
UK: faʊl | US: faʊl
adj. 1. offensive to the senses; disgusting or filthy
adj. 2. violating accepted rules or standards; unfair
adj. 3. (of weather) wet and stormy
vt. 1. to make dirty or polluted
vt. 2. (sports) to commit a foul against an opponent
n. 1. (sports) an unfair or illegal act
The word "foul" traces back to Old English fūl, meaning "rotten, unclean, or morally impure." It shares roots with Old Norse fúll and German faul, all conveying decay or corruption. Over time, its meaning expanded to include unfairness (e.g., "foul play") and weather conditions ("foul weather"). The semantic thread connects physical filth to abstract violations, reflecting a cultural link between dirt and dishonesty.
The garbage left in the alley emitted a foul odor.
The boxer was disqualified for a foul blow.
The team protested the referee’s call of a foul.
Heavy rain turned the paths into foul, muddy trails.
Polluted factories foul the air with toxic emissions.