human trafficking

American  

noun

1. the illegal practice of procuring or trading in human beings for the purpose of prostitution, forced labor, or other forms of exploitation.

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Etymology

Origin of human trafficking

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Officials branded these visits as “wellness checks,” ostensibly aimed at ensuring that the children in question did not fall victim to human trafficking and were keeping up with their obligations for their immigration cases.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

Restrictions on eligibility for asylees, refugees and victims of human trafficking under Section 10108 are expected to affect roughly 90,000 people per month — those already living at the margins of the margins.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

She asked him to think about a victim of human trafficking who is brought to the U.S. illegally then gives birth here.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Anti-Slavery International, which has been running for 180 years, describes its mission as helping to prevent slavery in its many forms, including child slavery, forced labour and human trafficking.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

But her fight against child marriage and her advocacy to end human trafficking are changing the world.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins