contraband
|con-tra-band|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈkɑːn.trəˌbænd/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɒn.trəˌbænd/
illegal goods
Etymology
Etymology Information
'contraband' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'contrabbando,' where 'contra-' meant 'against' and 'bando' meant 'ban or proclamation.'
Historical Evolution
'contrabbando' transformed into the French word 'contrebande,' and eventually became the modern English word 'contraband' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'against a ban or proclamation,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'illegal goods.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
goods that are imported or exported illegally.
The customs officers seized the contraband at the border.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/04/17 12:18