drug trafficking — the illegal trade in drugs, especially narcotics
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the illegal trade in drugs, especially narcotics
Pronunciation (IPA): /drʌɡ ˈtræfɪkɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The movie about drug trafficking was so realistic that even my grandmother started checking her neighbors suspiciously.
- International cooperation is essential to effectively combat drug trafficking networks.
- He received a 20-year sentence for his involvement in drug trafficking operations.
drug trafficking
NOUN[/drʌɡ ˈtræfɪkɪŋ/]
the illegal trade in drugs, especially narcotics
Police raid uncovers a hidden drug trafficking operation at the harbor warehouse.
Tracking drug trafficking through digital mapping!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Drug derives from French 'drogue' (dried substance), while trafficking comes from 16th-century French 'trafiquer' (to trade). Originally denoting simple commercial transactions, the compound term evolved in the 20th century to specifically refer to illicit trade in controlled substances.
Breakdown
drug (from French drogue, dried substance) + trafficking (from French trafiquer, to trade or deal). The compound combines a pharmaceutical term with a commercial verb, narrowed semantically to describe illegal narcotics commerce.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The movie about drug trafficking was so realistic that even my grandmother started checking her neighbors suspiciously.”
“International cooperation is essential to effectively combat drug trafficking networks.”
“He received a 20-year sentence for his involvement in drug trafficking operations.”
“The airport security's new drug-sniffing dogs are so good at detecting drug trafficking attempts that smugglers have started bringing decoy sausages.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.