Smuggle - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To smuggle means to secretly and illegally transport goods or people across borders to avoid detection by authorities. It often involves hiding items or individuals to bypass laws or customs checks.
Definition:
To move goods illegally into or out of a country, avoiding customs or laws.
Synonyms:
traffic, bootleg, sneak, contraband
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
declare, surrender
Common Collocations:
smuggle goods, smuggle drugs, smuggle weapons
Derivatives:
smuggler, smuggling
Usage Tips:
Use "smuggle" for illegal transport; often involves secrecy and evasion of authorities.
Common Phrases:
smuggle in, smuggle out, under the radar
Etymology:
From Low German *smuggeln*, meaning to transport secretly; related to Dutch *smokkelen*.
Examples:
- 1. He tried to smuggle diamonds across the border.
- 2. The gang smuggles electronics to avoid taxes.
- 3. She was caught smuggling rare birds into the country.
- 4. Authorities seized smuggled cigarettes at the port.