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Smuggled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšซ
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smuggled

[หˆsmสŒษกษ™ld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

illegal transport

Smuggled refers to the act of transporting goods or people secretly and illegally, circumventing the law or regulations. This can involve the movement of drugs, weapons, contraband, or even individuals across borders without detection. Smuggling often occurs to evade taxes, tariffs, or legal penalties. The process can be highly organized, involving networks of individuals or can be conducted on a smaller scale by individuals acting independently. The consequences of smuggling can include severe legal repercussions for both the smuggler and those being smuggled.

Synonyms

contraband, ferry, traffic, transport illegally.

Examples of usage

  • They smuggled drugs across the border.
  • He was arrested for smuggling endangered species.
  • The couple smuggled money out of the country.
  • She was caught smuggling goods in her luggage.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • During Prohibition in the 1920s, smuggling alcohol into the U.S. became a major criminal enterprise.
  • The Underground Railroad used clever methods to smuggle escaped slaves to freedom before the Civil War.
  • Smuggling has played a crucial role in conflicts, such as during World War II, where goods were often hidden from enemy forces.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often smuggle contraband, like drugs or stolen treasures, adding excitement and tension to the story.
  • Video games often feature missions where players smuggle items to complete objectives, enhancing player engagement.
  • The theme of smuggling can be found in literature, such as in 'Treasure Island' where pirates engage in secretive trades.

Legal Consequences

  • Getting caught smuggling can lead to serious legal penalties, including heavy fines and imprisonment.
  • Countries have strict laws against smuggling to protect their economy and public health.
  • Organizations like INTERPOL work internationally to combat smuggling and related crimes.

Science

  • In ecology, certain animals like puffins smuggle food by storing it in their mouths while they hunt.
  • The concept of 'smuggling' isn't just limited to humans; plants can use stealthy methods to spread their seeds to new locations.
  • Researchers study the smuggling of invasive species to better understand how they disrupt local ecosystems.

Origin of 'smuggled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'smuggle' comes from the 16th-century British term 'smuggel', which meant to move goods secretly or illegally.
  • It is thought to have origins in the Dutch word 'smokkelen', meaning 'to sneak'.
  • The practice of smuggling has been linked to trade disputes dating back to ancient civilizations like Rome and Greece.

The word 'smuggle' has its origins in the late 16th century, derived from the Dutch word 'smokkelen', which means 'to make smuggled goods'. It is theorized that this Dutch term itself may be related to the English word 'smoke', as in 'to hide or conceal', reflecting the clandestine nature of smuggling activities. The practice of smuggling can be traced back centuries and has played a significant role in trade dynamics throughout history. From the illicit trade of alcohol during Prohibition in the United States to the modern-day trafficking of drugs and humans, the concept of smuggling has evolved but remains fundamentally linked to attempts to bypass laws and regulations for profit. The evolution of smuggling techniques and methods has kept pace with changes in law enforcement and technology, making it an ongoing challenge for governments around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,255, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.