trafficking
TRAF-ik-ing
/ˈtræfɪkɪŋ/
The act of buying or selling something illegally, or the illegal movement of people or goods.
Often implies a large-scale, organized operation, particularly regarding drugs, weapons, or humans.
The story behind the word. The word originally meant simply 'to trade' or 'to carry on business'. It wasn't until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that it began to take on the specific connotation of illegal or sinister trade, particularly in the context of 'white slavery' (an early term for human trafficking).
Word relationships
- smuggling: Smuggling is the act of moving things across a border; trafficking includes the entire business of buying, selling, and moving.
- legal trade: The lawful exchange of goods and services.
Commonly confused with
- traffic: Traffic usually refers to vehicles on a road; trafficking refers to illegal trade.
Word family
- trafficker (noun): A person who deals in something illegal.
Collocations
- drug trafficking
- human trafficking
- arms trafficking
- trafficking ring
Example sentences
- "The international community is working to combat human trafficking and provide support for victims." A report on human rights.
- "Three men were arrested for trafficking large quantities of heroin across the border." A news headline about narcotics.
Memory hook
Think of 'traffic' on a highway, but instead of cars, the 'traffic' is full of illegal goods. Trafficking is the 'traffic' of illegal goods.
When not to use
Do not use for legal trade, even if it is heavy; 'trafficking' almost always implies an illegal element in modern usage.
Fun facts
- Human trafficking is often called 'modern-day slavery'.
- The word 'traffic' was once used to describe the movement of planets in the sky.
Related words
Explore more words
racketeering, transaction, export, barter, wholesale, abduct
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