personal foul

American  

noun

Sports.

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

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Etymology

Origin of personal foul

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

And De La Salle didn’t help matters by committing four personal fouls in the first four minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times