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 legal group currently has $109 million in federal awards for 19 programs through USAID, with its work focused on strengthening the rule of law and human rights in numerous countries around the world, including efforts to combat human trafficking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. —Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025

Zoom in: In a statement, Klobuchar noted that the training could also help curb human trafficking. —Nate Rau, Axios, 13 Feb. 2025

Tate is currently being investigated by Romanian authorities for alleged rape and human trafficking, and he has been separately accused of rape and assault in the United Kingdom. —Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2025

Pinpointing detailed and accurate data that paints a clear picture of human trafficking in the area is challenging, Natale said. —Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 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