French word

contrebande

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃tʁəbɑ̃d/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncontraband

Example

Ils ont trouvé de la contrebande dans le camion.

They found contraband in the truck.

Illustration for contrebande (contraband)

More examples

Il a été arrêté pour vente de contrebande.

He was arrested for selling smuggled goods.

Core concept

A concealed load of goods moved or sold against a legal or customs ban.

Common phrases

  • commerce de contrebande

    trade in smuggled goods

  • vente de contrebande

    sale of smuggled goods

Similar words

trafic: The act of buying, selling, or transporting illegal goods.
marché noir: The unofficial circulation or sale of goods outside authorized markets.

Definition in French

Désigne des biens interdits ou cachés transportés ou vendus en violation des lois ou des règles douanières.

Word origin

French contrebande comes through Italian contrabbando, formed from contra- "against" and bando "ban," ultimately from Latin bannum.

Usage tips

  • Contrebande is feminine, so standard phrases include la contrebande and faire de la contrebande.

Other meanings

  • smugglingnoun

Opposites

  • produit légallegal productnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word