Agency Dictionary

Smuggling

nounPronunciation: /ˈsmʌɡ.lɪŋ/

What does “Smuggling” mean?

The clandestine and illegal transport of goods, currency, persons, or natural commodities across jurisdictional borders to evade tariffs, customs controls, or legal bans.

Etymology

From smuggle plus the nominal suffix -ing. Smuggle probably derives from Low German smuggeln or Dutch smokkelen, to carry goods clandestinely, perhaps from a Germanic root with the sense of slipping or creeping. The image is of goods slipped through unseen.

Usage note

Smuggling refers to the act; contraband refers to the goods. Bootlegging historically described smuggling alcohol during Prohibition.

Synonyms

trafficking
bootlegging

Word family

smuggle
smuggler
smuggled

Rhymes with

juggling
struggling

Usage examples

In the late 18th century, weighed down by smuggling, corruption, and growing administrative costs, the company went bankrupt and was formally dissolved in 1799.

Concept

Modern SlaveryModern slavery is an umbrella term for situations of severe labor exploitation and control where a person cannot refuse or leave due to threats, coercion, deception, or…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.24 - Boiling Red CobaltMay 17, 2024Read the edition

Words of the same theme

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Stigmanoun: A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
collective consciousnessnoun: The set of beliefs, ideas and feelings shared by the members of a society, which exists beyond any single person. By extension, what a community knows and repeats in common.
Agoranoun: A public open space in ancient Greek cities used for assemblies, commercial markets, and philosophical dialogue.
Allegiancenoun: Loyalty, commitment, or devoted obligation felt by an individual toward a nation, cause, sovereign, or athletic club. It creates emotional cohesion and enduring solidarity across social communities.
Bailoutnoun: An emergency provision of financial assistance to a failing company, bank, or economy to prevent insolvency.
baronnoun: A member of the aristocracy, or an influential magnate exercising commanding power in a specific industry.
Benefactornoun: A person who supports, protects, or assists another individual through resources, rank, or mentorship.
brokeragenoun: The business, activity, or fee of a licensed broker who facilitates commercial transactions between buyers and sellers.
cinnamonnoun: An aromatic spice obtained from the stripped inner bark of several tree species of the genus Cinnamomum.
Clausenoun: A distinct article or stipulation in a formal treaty, bill, or legal contract addressing a specific condition or obligation.
commoditynoun: A basic primary good, agricultural staple, or raw material that is interchangeable with other goods of the same type.

Also from these editions: terms

densitynoun: The quantity of mass, pixels, or information concentrated within a given unit of area or space.
Hardwarenoun: The physical, mechanical, and electronic components that constitute a computer system or digital electronic device. It contrasts with software, which provides intangible instructions and programs.
Homeostasisnoun: The state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems or dynamic organizations through coordinated self-regulating physiological or operational adjustments.
Interconnectedadjective: Having all constituent parts or elements mutually connected, reciprocal, or interrelated in such a manner that changes in one directly affect the condition or behavior of the others.
Inventorynoun: A complete itemized catalog or aggregate stock of raw materials, parts, works in progress, and finished goods held in custody by a business enterprise for production or commercial sale.
Lobbynoun: An organized group of individuals or corporate representatives seeking to influence legislators, government officials, or public policies in favor of specific commercial or special interests.
Logisticsnoun: The detailed organization, planning, and practical implementation of complex operations involving the movement, transport, and maintenance of materials, goods, and personnel across distribution channels.
Mineralnoun: A naturally occurring inorganic solid substance characterized by a definite chemical composition and an ordered internal atomic structure. It is extracted by industrial or manual methods for metallurgy and manufacturing.
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Warehousenoun: A large commercial building used for the organized storage, maintenance, and distribution of raw goods or manufactured inventory prior to shipment. It serves as a central hub in logistics operations.