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sex trafficking

American

[seks traf-i-king] / ˈsɛks ˌtræf ɪ kɪŋ /

noun

the illegal practice of procuring or trading in human beings for the purpose of prostitution or other sex work.

Etymology

Origin of sex trafficking

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Federal prosecutors have successfully prosecuted cases of adult sex trafficking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

She also became an advocate of justice for survivors of sex trafficking.

From Salon • Aug. 1, 2025

Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

From BBC • Jul. 28, 2025

“It’s not about the victims’ actions in a sex trafficking case,” Winfrey told jurors on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2025

The jury decided that Combs’ conduct, however reprehensible, did not amount beyond a reasonable doubt to a criminal racketeering organization or sex trafficking.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2025

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023