smuggling
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsmʌɡlɪŋ/
KK: /ˈsmʌɡlɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The illegal act of bringing goods into a country without paying the required taxes or following the laws.
Example
The police caught him smuggling drugs across the border.
Conversation
Did you hear about that recent case of smuggling at the border?
Yeah, it was all over the news!
I can't believe people still try smuggling these days.
I know, right? It's so risky and dangerous.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
trafficking
contraband
bootlegging
Antonyms
legality
lawfulness
permission
verb
Definition
To move goods illegally into or out of a country, often to avoid taxes or restrictions.
Example
They were caught smuggling drugs across the border.
Tense Forms
Past: smuggled
Past Participle: smuggled
Conversation
Did you hear about the police catching someone smuggling goods across the border?
Yeah, I saw it on the news; it's crazy how people try to get away with that.
I can't believe people still think they can get away with smuggling things so easily.
Root Explanation
Smuggling originates from the word 'smuggle' (of uncertain origin, possibly from the 16th century), which may derive from the Dutch 'smokkelen' (meaning to make a secret or clandestine journey). The suffix '-ing' indicates the action or process of the verb. Therefore, 'smuggling' refers to the act of secretly transporting goods, often illegally.
Memory Tip
Think of making a 'secret journey' to remember that 'smuggling' means transporting goods secretly.
Visually Confused Words
struggling
slugging
juggling