Smuggle: Definition, Usage & Real-Life Examples

Meaning 1：illicitly transport (smuggle)

smuggle 🔊

/ˈsmʌɡl/

to secretly and illegally bring things into or out of a place, especially a country, to avoid paying tax or because the law forbids it.

Illustration of a person smuggling a package inside suitcase lining at customs

illicitly transport 🔊

➕

/ɪˈlɪsɪtli trænˈspɔːrt/

To move items covertly across borders or into restricted areas, typically to avoid laws, taxes, or prohibitions.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from Low German 'smuggeln', meaning to transport goods secretly.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a smug person hiding a giggle while smuggling; smug + giggle = smuggle.

📖 Example

The traveler was caught trying to smuggle undeclared exotic fruits through customs. 🔊 The traveler was apprehended while attempting to illegally bring undeclared exotic fruits through customs.

🔗 Collocations

smuggle goods – to illegally transport items across borders

smuggle drugs – to illicitly bring narcotics into a country

smuggle across borders – to secretly move things between nations unlawfully

🔄 Synonyms

traffic (v.) – to deal or trade in something illegal, especially drugs or weapons

bootleg (v.) – to produce, distribute, or transport goods illicitly, often referring to alcohol or media

run (v.) – to smuggle goods, especially contraband, often in a covert manner

🚫 Antonyms

declare (v.) – to officially state or report goods to customs authorities

import legally (phrase) – to bring goods into a country in compliance with laws and regulations

🌱 Derivatives

smuggler (n.) – a person who smuggles goods

smuggling (n.) – the act or crime of smuggling

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'smuggle' entered English in the 17th century from Low German 'smuggeln', reflecting historical issues with customs and illicit trade. Today, it is commonly used in news about drug or weapon trafficking.