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

Those attending the conference have access to a long menu of sessions pertaining to topics including deputies’ health, recruitment, legal matters, correctional facility policies, leadership, forensics and labor and human trafficking. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025

Each agency focuses on different elements of immigration enforcement, including investigation, border monitoring and human trafficking. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025

Plenty of bro love fills that gap in the serviceable sequel, which teams action-hero CPA Christian (Ben Affleck) with his hit-man sibling Braxton (Jon Bernthal) to solve a mystery involving a broken family and human trafficking. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 June 2025

The charges against Andrew include rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 28 May 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