Contraband (disambiguation) facts for kids

Contraband means things that are illegal to own or trade. It's like having something that the law says you're not allowed to have, or trying to buy or sell something that's against the rules.

Sometimes, the word contraband can also refer to other things, like:

What is Contraband?

Contraband usually refers to goods that are brought into a country or place secretly and illegally. This often happens to avoid paying taxes or because the items themselves are forbidden. For example, if a country says you can't bring certain plants across its border, those plants would be contraband if someone tried to sneak them in.

Contraband in Coal Mines

In places like coal mines, "contraband" has a special meaning related to safety. It refers to items that are not allowed to be taken underground. This is because these items, like certain electronic devices or lighters, could cause a spark or an explosion in the mine, which would be very dangerous for the workers. So, for everyone's safety, these items are considered contraband.

Contraband During the American Civil War

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the term "contraband" was used in a unique way. It referred to people who had escaped slavery and reached areas controlled by the Union army. The Union army leaders decided that these people, who were considered property by the Confederate states, could be kept by the Union as "contraband of war." This meant they were treated like captured enemy property, which allowed them to stay with the Union forces and often gain freedom. This was an important step towards the end of slavery.

Contraband Bayou

There's also a place called Contraband Bayou. It's a large waterway, or bayou, located in Louisiana, United States. A bayou is a slow-moving stream or a marshy lake, often found in flat, low-lying areas.

Movies Called Contraband

• Contraband (1980 movie), an Italian crime movie from 1980.
• Contraband (2012 movie), an American movie released in 2012.

See also

In Spanish: Contraband para niños