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human trafficking
noun
: organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited (as by being forced into prostitution or involuntary labor)
Examples of human trafficking in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Immigration and child advocates have noted that migrant children are vulnerable to labor exploitation and human trafficking in the country.
—Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 8 May 2024
The call was echoed by Councilmembers Zach Hilton and Rebeca Armendariz, who urged city staff and fellow councilmembers to include contract language that prevented labor abuses, such as wage theft and human trafficking, in the massive project.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 7 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for human trafficking
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'human trafficking.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1904, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of human trafficking was
in 1904
Dictionary Entries Near human trafficking
Cite this Entry
“Human trafficking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20trafficking. Accessed 19 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
human trafficking
noun
: organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited (as by being forced into prostitution or involuntary labor)
Legal Definition
human trafficking
noun
: the business of inducing a person to perform labor or engage in prostitution through force, fraud, or coercion see also labor trafficking, sex trafficking
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