ˈsməgəl verb
( smuggled ; smuggled ; smuggling -g(ə)liŋ ; smuggles )
Etymology: Low German smuggeln, smuckeln & Dutch smokkelen; akin to Old English smūgan to creep — more at smock
transitive verb
1. : to import or export secretly contrary to the law : bring into or take out of a country (merchandise, forbidden articles, or persons) contrary to law and with a fraudulent intent
smuggle Chinese laborers
specifically : to import or export without paying the duties imposed by law
by various ruses liquors were smuggled past the inspecting officers — W.M.Babcock
2. : to convey or introduce in a surreptitious manner
escaped with his life by being smuggled out in a policeman's uniform — S.P.B.Mais
smuggle a normative judgment into what purports to be a statement of fact — A.J.Ayer
intransitive verb
: to import or export anything in violation of the customs laws