Bootlegging: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when referring to the illegal production and distribution of alcohol, especially in historical contexts like the Prohibition era in the United States.

• During the Prohibition era, many people were involved in bootlegging to supply illegal alcohol.
• The movie chronicles the rise of a bootlegging empire in the 1920s.

Applies to the illegal transportation of goods or people across borders, usually to avoid taxes or import restrictions.

• Authorities are cracking down on the smuggling of rare animal species.
• Drug smuggling networks operate in many parts of the world.

Used when talking about the illegal creation of fake copies of items, such as money, documents, or branded products, to deceive people.

• The police raided a factory involved in counterfeiting designer handbags.
• Counterfeiting currency is a serious crime that undermines the economy.

Typically refers to the unauthorized use or reproduction of another's work, such as movies, music, software, or books. It can also describe robbery at sea.

• Online piracy of movies and music has become a significant issue for the entertainment industry.
• Modern-day piracy affects shipping routes, especially near the coast of Somalia.

This term is often used to refer to the illegal production and distribution of alcohol, especially during historical periods like the Prohibition era in the United States. It can also be used in modern times when talking about pirated goods like music or movies.

• During Prohibition, many people got rich by bootlegging alcohol.
• He was arrested for bootlegging DVDs.

This term is most commonly used in the context of human or drug trafficking, but can also apply to the illegal trade of various goods. It often carries a very negative connotation due to its association with serious crimes.

• He was sentenced to prison for trafficking drugs.
• Human trafficking is a major issue globally.

This phrase is a more general term used to describe any form of illegal trading, whether it be drugs, stolen goods, or other illicit items. It's often used in a variety of legal settings and reports.

• The police caught him dealing illegally in firearms.
• They were involved in dealing illegally at the black market.

This phrase is typically used to describe the smuggling of prohibited or restricted goods across borders. It often implies a more organized effort and can be used in both legal and media contexts.

• They made a lot of money by running contraband across the border.
• The authorities are cracking down on those who run contraband.