Traffic

Definition

Traffic refers to the movement of vehicles, people, or data along a route or system. It can also denote the trade or exchange of goods or services, sometimes illicitly.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtræf.ɪk/
• Respelling: TRAF-ik

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtræf.ɪk/
• Respelling: TRAF-ik

Etymology

The word "traffic" originates from the Italian "traffico," meaning "trade" or "commerce," derived from "trafficare" (to trade), which has roots in Vulgar Latin "transfricare" (to rub across or trade). It entered English in the late 16th century, initially referring to trade and later evolving to include movement and transport.

Derivatives

• Trafficker (noun)
• Trafficking (noun/verb)
• Traffic-free (adjective)
• Overtraffic (verb)
• Trafficable (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Transport
• Movement
• Trade

Antonyms

• Stillness
• Immobility
• Isolation

Usage

As a noun, "traffic" is commonly used to refer to vehicular movement. For example, "The traffic was heavy during rush hour."

As a verb, "traffic" refers to trading or dealing, often illicitly. For example, "They were caught trafficking illegal substances."

Related Terms

• Commute: The act of traveling between home and work.
• Transport: The movement of goods or people from one place to another.
• Smuggling: The act of moving goods illegally, often related to "trafficking."

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The movement of vehicles, people, or data: Refers to the flow along a specific route or system.
  • Example: "The city installed cameras to monitor traffic on major roads."
• The trade or exchange of goods or services: Includes both legal and illegal commerce.
  • Example: "The black market thrives on illicit traffic of rare artifacts."

Verb

• To trade or deal in goods or services: Often implies illegal activity.
  • Example: "They were found guilty of trafficking narcotics."

  Trafficking is the gerund form of the verb traffic, which functions as a noun in this sentence.

• To engage in transportation or movement: Refers to managing or directing flows.
  • Example: "The company traffics goods between the two countries."