smuggle
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsmʌɡl/
KK: /ˈsmʌɡl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To secretly bring goods into a country without paying taxes or following legal procedures.
Example
They tried to smuggle drugs across the border.
Tense Forms
Past: smuggled
Past Participle: smuggled
Conversation
I heard someone tried to smuggle goods across the border last night.
Really? That sounds risky and illegal!
Yeah, I can't believe people would actually smuggle things like that.
It's surprising what some people will do for money.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sneak
traffic
import
Antonyms
declare
reveal
disclose
transitive verb
Definition
To secretly bring goods into or out of a country without paying taxes or following laws.
Example
They tried to smuggle drugs across the border.
Tense Forms
Past: smuggled
Past Participle: smuggled
Conversation
Did you hear about that guy who tried to smuggle goods across the border?
Yeah, I read about it online; it was such a risky move.
I can't believe he thought he could get away with it.
Root Explanation
Smuggle originates from the early 18th century, possibly from the dialectal English 'smug' (meaning to move secretly) combined with the suffix '-le' (indicating a verb). The word describes the act of moving goods secretly, especially to avoid legal restrictions or taxes.
Memory Tip
Think of moving things 'secretly' — that's what smuggling is all about.
Visually Confused Words
snuggle
muggles
unsmuggled
struggle
squiggle