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Smuggling

UK //ˈsmʌɡlɪŋ// US //ˈsmʌɡlɪŋ// Pronunciation

Definition

The act of illegally transporting goods across a border.

Listen to definition

In simple words: Bringing things into a place secretly and illegally.

Examples

• They were caught smuggling drugs across the border.
• Smuggling goods without declaring them can lead to heavy fines.
• Authorities are cracking down on smuggling operations in the region.
• He faced serious charges for smuggling endangered species.
• The documentary shed light on the issues tied to smuggling.

Usage notes

Used mainly in legal contexts or discussions about crime. Avoid using in formal writing unless necessary.

Grammar pattern

smuggle + object + (into + location)

Memory hint

Think of 'smug' faces sneaking in goods behind someone's back.

Collocations

• human smuggling
• smuggling ring
• drug smuggling
• smuggling operation
• smuggling route

Synonyms

• trafficking
• contraband
• illegal import
• bootlegging
• filching

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'smuggle' as a noun instead of a verb.
• Using 'smuggling' instead of 'smuggle' in simple past forms.