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Definition of contraband

contraband

/ˈkɑːn.trə.bænd/
con · tra · band
Plural:contrabands
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contraband Lexical Profile

contraband Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Goods that have been imported or exported illegally, or items that are forbidden by law or institutional rules to be possessed.

Example

"Customs inspectors searched the shipping containers thoroughly for undeclared contraband."

2

Illegal or prohibited traffic in goods; smuggling.

Example

"Coastal patrols were increased in the nineteenth century to suppress maritime contraband."

3

American During the American Civil War, an enslaved person who escaped to or was brought within Union military lines.

Example

"Thousands of former slaves classified as contrabands found refuge and employment at Union army camps."

Synonyms
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• adjective

1

Prohibited by law or treaty from being imported, exported, or possessed.

Example

"Port authorities confiscated several crates of contraband merchandise before the cargo ship could leave the harbor."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for contraband

• Nearby Words

contoured
contouring
contra
contraband
contraception
contraceptive
contract

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Italian contrabbando, literally meaning "against a proclamation," formed from Latin contra ("against") and Medieval Latin bannum ("an official decree or ban").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Contraband. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/contraband
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