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fouler

to tread on, to trample

verb foo-LEH Rare
Body & Health Health & Illness

Origin: Latin fullare (to press cloth)

Also means

to sprain (a joint)

Usage Note

Fouler has two common uses: fouler le sol (to tread on the ground) is somewhat literary, while se fouler la cheville (to sprain one's ankle) is the everyday medical expression. Learners should note ne pas se fouler as a colloquial expression meaning 'to not overexert oneself', equivalent to 'to take it easy'.

Examples

"Elle s'est foulé la cheville en courant."

Natural Translation

She sprained her ankle while running.

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