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

The bill enacts stiffer penalties for human trafficking. —Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 12 July 2024

While Pinal is not a border county, much of the drug and human trafficking occurs on highways within our county. —Christina Avery, The Arizona Republic, 10 July 2024

With the funds raised, The Lifeboat Project, which in part provides services to victims of human trafficking, was able to hire a case manager, purchase vehicles for transportation and begin construction on a safe house. —Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2024

Experts say human trafficking is a growing problem, much larger in scope than many Americans realize. —Beth Warren, USA TODAY, 6 July 2024

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