Contraband
/ˈkɒn.trə.bænd/noun
Goods that are illegally imported, exported, possessed, or traded.
Did you know?The second half, “band,” is historically related to the English word “ban”: both descend from a Germanic verb connected with proclaiming, commanding, or forbidding.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*bannan
“To proclaim, summon, or command; later associated with forbidding or cursing.”
Early Medieval Period
Germanic
ban
“A public proclamation, command, or prohibition.”
Medieval Latin / Old Italian
Italian
bando
“A public edict or official proclamation.”
16th Century
Italian
contrabbando
“Literally “against the proclamation” or “against the ban”; forbidden trade or goods.”
16th Century
French
contrebande
“Smuggled or prohibited goods; formed with contre, “against,” and bande/bandeau, from the same proclamation-root.”
16th Century–Modern English
English
contraband
“Illegal or prohibited goods, especially goods involved in smuggling.”