B2verbcrimelaw
US/ˈsmʌɡ.əl/
UK/ˈsmʌɡ.əl/
to take goods or people into or out of a country illegally and secretly
In context
Customs officers found that he was trying to smuggle cigarettes into the country.
The gang smuggled workers across the border in the back of a truck.
Several tourists were caught smuggling rare birds out of the airport.
Words that go with smuggle
verb + noun
- smuggle goodsThey were caught smuggling goods across the border.
- smuggle drugsHe was jailed for trying to smuggle drugs.
- smuggle weaponsPolice stopped a man who tried to smuggle weapons.
verb + preposition
- smuggle into the countryIt is illegal to smuggle weapons into the country.
- smuggle across the borderGangs smuggle people across the border at night.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
smuggle to the countryCorrect: smuggle into the country