smuggle

/ˈsmʌɡl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsmʌɡl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsmə-gəl/ (ame, mw)

smuggle — verb

  • smugglepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • smuggleshe / she / it
  • smuggledpast simple
  • smuggling-ing form

1. to move goods or people across a national border in secret and against the law,

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to move goods or people across a national border in secret and against the law, typically to evade taxes or because officials have declared the items prohibited

例句

Rafael was caught trying to smuggle cigarettes across the border in his truck.

smuggle + across + border for illegal transport

The gang used a fishing boat to smuggle people from North Africa to Europe.

smuggle + people + from/to for people-trafficking

同義詞
  • traffic (in)

    more specific to organized criminal trade; stronger criminal connotation, not used for individual acts

  • bootleg

    limited to illegal copying or sale of goods (music, alcohol); never used for people

  • run (informal)

    casual register, often describes a single trip moving illegal goods

反義詞

文法句型

smuggle + noun + into/out of/across/through + noun

用法筆記

Frequently used with prepositions into, out of, across, or through to indicate the route of illegal transport. The direct object is typically contraband such as drugs, weapons, cigarettes, or gems, or people being moved illegally. Often found in passive constructions (was smuggled).

常見錯誤

❌He smuggled drugs.' (missing destination).
✅He smuggled drugs across the border.
💡'Smuggle' normally includes a direction phrase specifying the route or crossing point.
❌She smuggled to France.' (missing direct object).
✅She smuggled cigarettes into France.
💡'Smuggle' is transitive; you must state what is being moved.

2. to take something somewhere in a quiet or secret way because it is not allowed i

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to take something somewhere in a quiet or secret way because it is not allowed in that place or situation, even when no law or border is involved — for example, sneaking food into a cinema or a phone into a classroom

例句

Élise smuggled a piece of cake out of the kitchen before the guests arrived.

smuggle + out of for secretive taking

During the boring meeting, Felix smuggled his phone under the table to check a message.

smuggle + under + location for concealment

同義詞
  • sneak

    more general; applies to people moving secretly as well as objects; feels less dramatic

  • slip

    suggests quick, quiet action; often used with 'into' or 'out of'

  • spirit away

    literary or playful; suggests removing something mysteriously or magically

文法句型

smuggle + noun + into/out of/under/past + noun

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: no border crossing or customs law is involved. The secrecy relates to avoiding a non-legal restriction such as a school rule, house rule, or workplace policy. Most common with small physical objects (food, toys, phones). The crime-related connotations of sense 1 are absent here.

常見錯誤

❌I smuggled my lunch to school.' (no secrecy or restriction).
✅I smuggled my phone into the exam room.
💡'Smuggle' in this sense requires the item to be forbidden or restricted, not just any ordinary carrying.