contraband
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈkɒntrəˌbænd//
KK: /ˈkɒntrəˌbænd/
adjective
Definition
Not allowed to be imported or exported, often because it is illegal or restricted.
Example
The police seized a large amount of contraband goods at the border.
Conversation
Did you hear about the police seizing a shipment of contraband items?
Yeah, that’s crazy! I wonder how they even got through customs.
It's wild that people still try to smuggle contraband stuff these days.
I know, right? It seems like the risks just aren’t worth it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
illegal
forbidden
banned
Antonyms
permitted
allowed
legal
noun
Definition
Items that are illegal to import or export, often because they are prohibited by law or treaty.
Example
The police found a large amount of contraband hidden in the truck.
Conversation
Did you hear about the police seizing some contraband last night?
No way! What kind of stuff did they find?
Apparently, it was a shipment of illegal goods heading to the docks.
Root Explanation
Contraband is formed from "contra-" (meaning against) and "band" (from the Old French "ban", meaning a proclamation or a ban). The word refers to goods that are prohibited or banned, hence, against the law.
Memory Tip
Think of 'against' ('contra-') the law or a 'ban' on certain goods — that's why contraband refers to illegal items.
Visually Confused Words
noncontraband
counterbrand