human trafficking

noun

: organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited (as by being forced into sex work or involuntary labor)

Examples of human trafficking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Southeast Asia has become a global epicenter of cyber scams, where high-tech fraud meets human trafficking. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 14 July 2025

Under a Biden-era policy, ICE generally did not deport immigrants who had applied for one of those visas — T for human trafficking victims, U for crime victims. —Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025

Before the July Fourth tragedy, lawmakers were set to discuss the regulation of THC products, protections for human trafficking victims and water project incentives among other things. —Rachel Royster july 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2025

Abrego Garcia was transported to the U.S. in June and immediately indicted on human trafficking charges in Tennessee that stemmed from a traffic stop in 2019. —Jacob Rosen july 7, CBS News, 7 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

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