technical foul

noun

, Basketball.

1. a foul committed by a player or coach, usually not involving physical contact with an opponent, called often for unsportsmanlike conduct, as holding on to the basket or using profanity, that gives the opposing team one or two free throws and sometimes, if the foul was flagrant, requires the ejection of the offending player or coach from the game.

Word History and Origins

Origin of technical foul¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

We need all 15 guys mentally, physically, emotionally, we can’t keep getting these technical fouls.

From Washington Post

Late in the first half, he was called for a technical foul for berating a referee.

From Washington Post

The first half featured four technical fouls, with Turgeon also called for one about six minutes before the break.

From Washington Post

A technical foul on the sports field is a “spiritual transgression.”

From The Daily Beast