foiled
1 Americanverb
adjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of foiled1
First recorded in 1300–50 as a verb, for an earlier sense; foil 1 ( def. ) + -ed 1 ( def. ), and in 1680–90 as an adjective; foil 1 ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Origin of foiled2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nell’s plan to shuttle Gabby off to another local hostess is foiled, and all three women find themselves cohabitating uneasily, even as Gabby and Orla strike up a friendly intimacy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
Five decades ago, four burglars broke into a billionaire’s safe, setting off a chain of events that exposed and foiled one of the CIA’s most ambitious operations against the Soviets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 16, 2026
A fraudster who tried to sell bogus ancient statues to Sotheby's was foiled when his fake accompanying paperwork was found to be written with printing methods that were 25 years too modern, a court heard.
From BBC ● May 22, 2026
Seba, whose real name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, is wanted in Benin on charges of "inciting rebellion" after supporting last year's foiled coup there.
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026
With his simple plan, Jones foiled the whole manhunt for John Wilkes Booth.
From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
