What does 'smuggle' mean?

The term 'smuggle' refers specifically to the act of taking someone or something illegally from one location to another, often across borders. This illegal activity typically involves evading customs, immigration laws, or other regulations designed to control the movement of goods and individuals between countries. Smuggling can encompass a variety of contraband, including people, drugs, weapons, or any goods that are prohibited or restricted from being transported through lawful channels.

The other options describe different types of activities, none of which capture the essence of smuggling. Transporting goods legally involves abiding by all laws and regulations and is not clandestine in nature, while providing secret passage may imply smuggling but lacks the specific illegal connotation. Selling items without permits refers to a commercial activity that may not necessarily involve illegal transportation and does not denote the covert nature of smuggling.