Contraband
/ˈkɒntrəbænd/
Definitions
2 meaningsGoods whose importation, exportation, or possession is forbidden by law.
/ˈkɒntrəbænd/
Goods that have been illegally imported or exported.
The police found contraband hidden in the car's trunk.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to bring something you're not supposed to—like a super cool toy you got as a gift or candy—across a border or into a place where it's not allowed. That forbidden item is contraband! Basically, anything illegal to have.
👶 For kids: Things that you're not allowed to bring somewhere, like toys into school.
More Examples
The smuggler was caught trying to bring contraband across the border.
The search revealed a stash of drugs, clearly classified as contraband.
During the war, the soldiers confiscated all forms of contraband.
How It's Used
"Customs officials seized a shipment of contraband at the border."
"During wartime, the enemy attempted to smuggle contraband past the blockade."
Forbidden to be imported or exported; illegal.
/ˈkɒntrəbænd/
Prohibited from being imported or exported.
The customs officers were looking for contraband materials.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game where some items are off-limits. If you tried to use those items in the game, it would be a contraband action. Things can be 'contraband' when they're not allowed.
👶 For kids: Something that you're not allowed to have or use.
More Examples
The ship was carrying contraband cargo.
The prison had strict rules against contraband items.
The soldiers fought against the illegal trade of contraband goods.
How It's Used
"The authorities searched for contraband items in the luggage."
"They were dealing with contraband weapons to fuel the conflict."
Idioms & expressions
smuggle contraband
To secretly bring illegal goods into a country or area.
"The criminals were caught trying to smuggle contraband across the border."
contraband of war
Goods that are forbidden during wartime.
"The military seized the ship because it was carrying contraband of war."
From Italian *contrabando*, from *contra* ("against") + *bando* ("ban, proclamation"). Historically referred to goods that were forbidden to be imported or exported, especially during wartime.
Historically, the term was particularly associated with trade during wartime, where goods could be declared contraband if they aided the enemy.