Contraband: meaning, definitions and examples
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contraband
[ ˈkɒntrəbænd ]
illegal goods
Goods that are illegally imported or exported.
Synonyms
illegal merchandise, smuggled goods.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contraband |
This term is often used in a legal or official context to describe goods that are imported or exported illegally. It is fairly neutral and commonly used in legal documents and reports.
|
| smuggled goods |
Useful when referring to items that have been illegally transported across borders, typically in a more narrative or descriptive context. It emphasizes the act of smuggling.
|
| illegal merchandise |
This phrase is used to specifically highlight items being sold or traded unlawfully. It's often used in retail, law enforcement contexts, or news reports to describe purchased goods.
|
Examples of usage
- The customs officers seized a shipment of contraband cigarettes.
- He was arrested for smuggling contraband across the border.
Translations
Translations of the word "contraband" in other languages:
🇵🇹 contrabando
🇮🇳 तस्करी का माल
🇩🇪 Schmuggelware
🇮🇩 barang selundupan
🇺🇦 контрабанда
🇵🇱 kontrabanda
🇯🇵 密輸品 (みつゆひん)
🇫🇷 contrebande
🇪🇸 contrabando
🇹🇷 kaçakçılık malları
🇰🇷 밀수품 (密輸品)
🇸🇦 بضائع مهربة
🇨🇿 kontraband
🇸🇰 kontraband
🇨🇳 走私货物 (zǒusī huòwù)
🇸🇮 kontrabanda
🇮🇸 smyglvara
🇰🇿 контрабанда
🇬🇪 კონტრაბანდა
🇦🇿 qaçaqmal
🇲🇽 contrabando
Etymology
The word 'contraband' originated in the mid 16th century from Italian 'contrabbando', which means 'unauthorized dealing'. It was originally used in the context of prohibiting the trade of specific goods. Over time, the term evolved to refer specifically to goods that are illegal to import or export. The concept of contraband has been a part of international trade and customs law for centuries, with various treaties and agreements regulating the movement of goods across borders.