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

Tate, alongside his brother Tristan Tate, is currently under investigation in Romania for allegations of human trafficking and has been charged with rape, human trafficking, and bodily harm. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2026

In Thursday’s season finale, Eddie is caught in the crosshairs of Anatoly Caster (Alan Starzinski), the scion of a corrupt businessman who was the target of a police raid, led by protagonist Athena Grant (Angela Bassett), for facilitating a human trafficking ring involving migrants in Los Angeles. —Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026

Books in this category address war, gun violence, natural disasters, domestic violence, human trafficking, slavery and genocide, physical fighting, and more. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Authorities on the Peninsula said five human trafficking survivors were rescued and one person was detained as part of a nationwide operation. —Tim Fang, CBS News, 6 May 2026

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