ENGLISH
REFERENCE

smuggling

n.
US //ˈsməɡəɫɪŋ// UK //smˈʌɡlɪŋ// smug·gling
  1. 1 illegal transport of goods (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    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.

    Example

    The police are trying to stop the smuggling of cigarettes across the border.

    Example

    Authorities have increased patrols along the coast to combat the smuggling of illicit substances into the country by small fishing vessels.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun to describe the activity, but can be countable when referring to specific instances.

Word family

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