Trafficked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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trafficked

[ˈtræfɪkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

illegal trade

Trafficked refers to the act of illegally trading or transporting goods, people, or services. Often used in the context of human trafficking, it implies a violation of laws and ethical standards, involving coercion or deception.

Synonyms

dealt, smuggled, traded.

Examples of usage

  • She was trafficked across borders without her consent.
  • The organization focuses on stopping trafficked individuals from being exploited.
  • The report highlighted the dangers of trafficked minors.

Translations

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Origin of 'trafficked'

The word 'trafficked' originates from the term 'traffic', which in Middle English was derived from the Old French term 'trafic', meaning 'trade or commerce'. The early use of 'traffic' in English referred broadly to the movement of goods and people. However, as societal concerns evolved, particularly in relation to illegal activities, the meaning of the term expanded to include the illicit trade of human beings, drugs, and other prohibited items. Human trafficking became a significant issue at the turn of the 21st century, gaining widespread awareness and prompting legal frameworks to combat it. Hence, 'trafficked' is now often associated with these serious violations of human rights.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,046, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.