contraband

/ˌkɑntrəˈbænd/

/ˈkɒntrəbænd/

Other forms: contrabands

Contraband means "illicit goods" and usually refers to stuff that's imported or exported illegally, like weapons and certain exotic pets (like tigers).

Contra means "against" (contradict, contrary) and bando means "ban," so contraband simply means "against a ban," or despite the rules. Place of origin: Italy. Somehow the word got imported by the English, but there aren't any laws against word-importation, so it would be a stretch to say that contraband is itself contraband.

Definitions of contraband

1. adjective

   distributed or sold illicitly
   synonyms: black, black-market, bootleg, smuggled

   illegal

   prohibited by law or by official or accepted rules
2. noun

   goods whose importation or exportation or possession is prohibited by law
   type of:

   merchandise, product, ware

   commodities offered for sale