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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 12 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
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