smuggling
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of taking things into or out of a place secretly because it is against the law.
the clandestine and illegal conveyance of goods or people across a boundary, typically to avoid customs duties or legal prohibitions.
Simple“The police are trying to stop the smuggling of cigarettes across the border.”
In context“Authorities have increased patrols along the coast to combat the smuggling of illicit substances into the country by small fishing vessels.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun to describe the activity, but can be countable when referring to specific instances.
Synonyms
“Cases in Austria have also revealed how the hawala system is bound up with people smuggling and violence.”
“This smuggling ring has further tentacles, as another individual was arrested in connection with this case.”