human trafficking

noun

|Updated on: 7 Aug 2018

Definition of human trafficking

: 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)

Recent Examples of human trafficking from the Web

Criminal groups would likely take up other activities — human trafficking, kidnapping, gun smuggling, extortion — if the drug market didn’t exist.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "We Owe Central American Migrants Much More Than This," 21 June 2018
Based on my information, there is so many arrests criminals from drugs and human trafficking, money laundering and insurance frauds.

— david smiley and glenn garvin, miamiherald, "Mystery Miamian tied to Trump probe had many names, foul mouth, 2 DUI busts," 19 June 2018
Prosecutors charged two Metro Detroiters with human trafficking, forced labor and prostitution on Thursday.

— marc daalder, Detroit Free Press, "Ohio woman allegedly kidnapped, forced into prostitution in Detroit," 11 June 2018
To report a case of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

— holly v. hays, Indianapolis Star, "Ahead of Indy 500, residents urged to look for signs of human trafficking," 24 May 2018
Reducing and eliminating hate crimes, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.

— nick hollkamp, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky voters guide: Who's running for Louisville Metro Council," 13 May 2018
Instead, Rebecca became a victim of human trafficking, coerced into prostitution.

— jeremy fuchs, SI.com, "Life After Escaping the World of Human Trafficking," 10 May 2018
The organization will provide resources for women and children who are victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and other physical and emotional abuse.

— sabrina eaton, cleveland.com, "Jim Renacci signs letter nominating President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize," 3 May 2018
Davidson police obtained additional warrants and Luong and Tsi were charged with human trafficking, involuntary servitude and conspiracy, officials said.

— lavendrick smith, charlotteobserver, "Duo accused of human trafficking at NC salon stabbed woman with tools, warrants say," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'human trafficking.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of human trafficking

1904

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Law Dictionary

human trafficking

noun

legal Definition of human trafficking

: the business of inducing a person to perform labor or engage in prostitution through force, fraud, or coercion — see also labor trafficking, sex trafficking