Contraband, << KON truh band, >> in commerce, means trade forbidden by law. The word contraband most often refers to goods useful in war, such as arms or ammunition. The warships of a country at war may search for, seize, and destroy contraband goods that are being shipped to its enemy in neutral ships. In modern total warfare, almost anything is “useful for military purposes” and may be declared contraband. During World War I (1914-1918), Britain declared cotton to be contraband, because Germany used it to manufacture explosives. During World War II (1939-1945), Germany and Britain published contraband lists of many items. See also Blockade .
