Smuggling: meaning, definitions and examples
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smuggling
[ ˈsmʌɡ(ə)lɪŋ ]
illegal trade
The act of importing or exporting goods secretly and in violation of the law, especially without payment of legal duties or taxes.
Synonyms
bootlegging, contraband, illicit trade, trafficking
Examples of usage
- Smuggling of drugs across the border is a serious crime.
- Customs officers seized a large shipment of smuggled cigarettes.
- The authorities cracked down on a major smuggling ring operating in the city.
- Smuggling of endangered species is a threat to wildlife conservation.
- Human trafficking often involves smuggling people across borders.
illegal activity
To import or export secretly and in violation of the law, especially without payment of legal duties or taxes.
Synonyms
bootleg, illegally import/export, traffic
Examples of usage
- The criminal organization was caught smuggling drugs into the country.
- She was arrested for attempting to smuggle rare artifacts out of the country.
- The gang specializes in smuggling stolen goods across the border.
- Authorities are working to prevent the smuggling of weapons into the region.
- He was convicted of smuggling contraband items through the airport.
Translations
Translations of the word "smuggling" in other languages:
🇵🇹 contrabando
🇮🇳 तस्करी
🇩🇪 Schmuggel
🇮🇩 penyelundupan
🇺🇦 контрабанда
🇵🇱 przemyt
🇯🇵 密輸 (みつゆ)
🇫🇷 contrebande
🇪🇸 contrabando
🇹🇷 kaçakçılık
🇰🇷 밀수 (密輸)
🇸🇦 تهريب
🇨🇿 pašování
🇸🇰 pašovanie
🇨🇳 走私 (zǒusī)
🇸🇮 prekupčevanje
🇮🇸 smygl
🇰🇿 контрабанда
🇬🇪 კონtrabanda
🇦🇿 qaçaqmalçılıq
🇲🇽 contrabando
Word origin
The term 'smuggling' has a long history dating back to ancient times when individuals would transport goods across borders without paying taxes or duties. This illicit activity has been a constant challenge for authorities, leading to the establishment of customs regulations and border controls. Smuggling continues to be a prevalent issue in modern times, involving a wide range of illegal goods from drugs to weapons. The evolution of technology has also changed the methods of smuggling, with criminals using sophisticated means to avoid detection. Despite efforts to combat smuggling, it remains a lucrative business for organized crime groups around the world.