trafficking

[/ˈtræfɪkɪŋ/]
noun
tráfico
1. the illegal trade or transport of goods, drugs, weapons, or people across borders or within a country
Human trafficking is a serious crime that affects millions worldwide.
O tráfico de pessoas é um crime grave que afeta milhões em todo o mundo.
2. the act of dealing or trading in something illegally
Drug trafficking operations were dismantled by federal agents.
As operações de tráfico de drogas foram desmanteladas por agentes federais.
3. movement or flow of vehicles, pedestrians, or information across a network or route
Heavy trafficking on the highway caused significant delays.
O intenso tráfico na rodovia causou atrasos significativos.
In Brazil, 'tráfico' is commonly associated with drug trafficking ('tráfico de drogas') due to organized crime prominence in major cities. In the USA, 'human trafficking' has become increasingly prominent in public discourse. The term carries strong negative connotations and legal consequences in both countries.
NYC Slang
slangin', moving weight, distribution (when referring to drug trafficking)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
smugglingtradedealingtransportcommerce
Antonyms / Antônimos
legal tradelawful commerce

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tráfico
primary and most common term used in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
tráfico
common usage, often associated with drug trafficking discussions
São Paulo
tráfico
standard usage in business and legal contexts
Portugal
tráfico
identical usage in European Portuguese; 'tráfego' refers to traffic flow only

Related Words

traffictraffickercontrabandsmugglerillicitcriminal

Related Idioms & Phrases

human trafficking ring
drug trafficking network
trafficking in stolen goods
sex trafficking
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