personal foul

noun

Sports.

1. a foul called in certain games, as basketball or football, for illegal body contact or rough, unsportsmanlike play.

Word History and Origins

Origin of personal foul¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

There were numerous 15-yard personal foul penalties for taunting, late hits, grabbing the face mask and a horse collar.

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St. Paul made mistakes — the Swordsmen had four personal fouls, including three in Cathedral territory.

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“He knows that we have his back,” said Bozeman, who was called for a personal foul and described Shepherd’s play as “unacceptable.”

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The NFL cited James’ history of multiple personal fouls in recent seasons.

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He led the league in personal fouls at one point as well.

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