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

Even if the country was never home to the coastal forts from which the trafficking of African people was organised, many enslaved people passed through it on the way to the New World.

From Barron's

Singleton said that preparation is rooted in a broader understanding of what actually drives trafficking around major sporting events.

From Los Angeles Times

“The investigation of Prince Andrew is about leaking government secrets. DOJ has focused on human trafficking but has not pursued how Epstein insiders would share with him their inside information from either governments or businesses.”

From The Wall Street Journal

A total of 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia, according to a Kenyan intelligence report that details a network of rogue officials allegedly colluding with human trafficking syndicates.

From BBC

The Proliferation Security Initiative, created under President George W. Bush, sought to eliminate international trafficking in weapons and materials of mass destruction.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• piracy
• smuggling