# trafficked

/tɹˈæfɪkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trafficked
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. illegal trade

verb · CEFR B2

to have been bought, sold, or moved illegally, often involving people or drugs.

For teachers: the past participle of 'traffic', referring to the illegal trade or transport of goods or people.

- The police discovered that the rare animals had been trafficked across the border.
- The investigation revealed that the stolen artifacts had been trafficked through a complex network of international shell companies before reaching the auction house.

Usage: Usually used in the passive voice with 'be' or 'have been'.

### 2. road usage

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describes a road or area that has many vehicles or people moving through it.

For teachers: carrying a specified volume or type of traffic; typically modified by adverbs like 'heavily' or 'lightly'.

- It is difficult to cross this heavily trafficked road during rush hour.
- The urban planners decided to widen the most heavily trafficked arteries to alleviate the persistent congestion in the city center.

Usage: Almost always preceded by an adverb such as 'heavily', 'highly', or 'lightly'.

## Examples

- The police rescued several trafficked workers from the factory.
- Authorities are working to identify and support individuals who have been trafficked across the border for forced labor.
- International agencies have intensified their efforts to disrupt the networks responsible for moving trafficked goods and to provide comprehensive care for the survivors of these exploitative systems.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.