What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trafficked
Example
The police arrested several individuals involved in human trafficking. [trafficking: noun]
Example
The truck was found to be trafficking illegal drugs across the border. [trafficking: verb]
smuggle
Example
The man was caught trying to smuggle diamonds out of the country. [smuggle: verb]
Example
The smuggled goods were discovered in the hidden compartment of the car. [smuggled: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smuggle is more commonly used than trafficked in everyday language. Smuggle is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while trafficked is less common and often associated with specific illegal activities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trafficked and smuggle?
Both trafficked and smuggle are typically associated with an informal and negative tone. However, trafficked may be used in more formal contexts when discussing legal cases or policy issues related to human trafficking.
