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

The military is also increasingly involved in domestic security operations against the Mexican cartels that direct much of the drug and human trafficking across the U.S.-Mexican border. —Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025

Another award recipient was arrested at a hotel in 2019 before later being identified as a survivor of human trafficking. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025

Likewise, the Trump administration has not made public intelligence reports or other evidence to support the allegation that Abrego Garcia was involved in human trafficking. —Joel Rose, NPR, 7 Apr. 2025

Nearly a year ago, Tebow, a former Florida and NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, testified before Congress about combating human trafficking and child exploitation. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 2 Apr. 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