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 She was considered at-risk due to her age, and Police Department spokesperson Officer Anthony Gamble said investigators believe Isabel is a victim of human trafficking. Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 6 June 2024 French prosecutors in 2023 also opened human trafficking investigations into companies supplying seasonal workers. Eric Asimov, New York Times, 3 June 2024 The families contacted a human trafficking hotline, but were told that there was little anyone could legally do since Miranda is an adult, but encouraged the Wilkings to keep lines of communication open with Miranda. Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 29 May 2024 My top priorities this year have been continuing to combat human trafficking, promotion of community incorporation, and expansion of access to affordable healthcare. Steve Johnson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 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 11 Jun. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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