trafficking

American  

[traf-i-king] / ˈtræf ɪ kɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of dealing or trading in a commodity or service, often an illegal one.

   drug trafficking.

2. human trafficking.

3. sex trafficking.

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Etymology

Origin of trafficking

First recorded in 1530–40; traffic ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

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

Evan Ellis, professor of Latin American studies at the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, expects the summit to focus on drug trafficking, migration, counter-terrorism, and curbing Beijing's hemispheric influence.

From BBC

We seized the opportunity to strengthen education and prevention efforts around human trafficking.

From Los Angeles Times

Brewer said it made sense to make Operation Cornpoppy - which is looking into what role individuals may have played in facilitating or enabling Al Fayed's alleged offending - a trafficking investigation.

From BBC

But it has provided no definitive evidence that the vessels it targets are involved in drug trafficking, prompting heated debate about the legality of the operations.

From Barron's

Related Words

• piracy
• smuggling