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

As part of a separate investigation, the Tate brothers are wanted by police in the U.K. over allegations of rape, human trafficking and tax evasion. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025

The Tates also face another criminal case in the United Kingdom, where an arrest warrant has been issued on separate allegations of human trafficking and rape. —Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2025

In her 30-year career, Laura has won numerous national awards for coverage of human trafficking, child welfare, crime and government secrecy. —Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2025

The Tate brothers were arrested in Bucharest, Romania, in late 2022 on allegations of human trafficking and rape. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, TIME, 28 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