contraband
UK: /ˈkɒn.trə.bænd/ | US: /ˈkɑːn.trə.bænd/
n. goods that are illegally imported or exported
n. trade or trafficking in prohibited goods
adj. relating to or involving prohibited goods
contraband = contra<against> + band<proclamation>
- contra (Latin: "against")
Used in English to denote opposition or prohibition (e.g., contradict, contravene). - band (Old Italian bando, from Late Latin bannum: "proclamation, edict")
Refers to an official decree, often prohibiting certain actions.
Etymology Origin:
The word contraband originated in the 16th century from Italian contrabbando, combining contra ("against") and bando ("decree"). It originally referred to goods banned by authorities, later expanding to any illegal trade. The logic reflects defiance of official restrictions—literally "against the decree."
The police seized a shipment of contraband cigarettes.
Smuggling contraband across borders is a serious crime.
The customs officer detected contraband hidden in the luggage.
During wartime, contraband often included weapons and medicine.
The treaty aimed to reduce the flow of contraband goods.