Definition

A person who deals in illegal goods or smuggles items that are prohibited by law.

Example

The contrabandist was caught trying to smuggle drugs across the border.

Conversation

Did you hear about that contrabandist who got caught last week?

Yeah, it was all over the news!

I can't believe people still try to smuggle things these days.

Right? It seems so risky for what little they might gain.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Contrabandist → It is formed from "contra-" (meaning against) and "band" (from Old French *bander*, meaning to bind or tie). The suffix "-ist" (meaning one who practices or is concerned with) indicates a person involved in the act of smuggling goods that are against the law. Thus, a contrabandist is someone who engages in the illegal trade of goods.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'against' the law ('contra-') and is involved in 'binding' or 'tying' goods illegally. This helps you remember that a contrabandist is a person who deals in illegal goods.

Visually Confused Words