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

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