smuggle
UK[ˈsmʌɡl]US[ˈsmʌɡl]
v
to move (goods or people) from one country to another illegally or secretly.
v
to take, send, or bring (something) secretly.
Etymology
the word 'smuggle' entered english in the late 17th century, borrowed from the low german smuggeln or the dutch smokkelen, meaning 'to transport (goods) illegally'. these terms are thought to be frequentative forms, indicating a repeated or habitual action, possibly related to an older low german word smukken meaning 'to creep or slip'. the core semantic thread from its germanic origins is one of stealthy, secretive movement, which has been preserved and specialized in modern english to refer specifically to the clandestine transportation of contraband or people across borders. its phonetic form, with the initial 'sm-' cluster, is reminiscent of other english words implying secrecy or furtive action, such as 'smirk' or 'sneak', though these are not directly related.
Analysis
this word is considered a simplex form. it is a loanword from low german or dutch, where the morphemic structure is not transparently analyzable into meaningful sub-parts in modern english.
Examples
they were caught trying to smuggle diamonds through customs.
the humanitarian group helped smuggle refugees across the border.
he managed to smuggle a phone into the prison.