Legal Definitions - shanghaiing

Definition: Shanghaiing (shang-hI-ing) is the act of forcing or tricking someone into doing something they don't want to do, usually by using fraudulent or illegal means. Specifically, it refers to the practice of drugging, tricking, or intoxicating someone to work on a ship, often to secure advance money or a premium.

Example: In the 19th century, sailors in port cities like San Francisco were often shanghaied by unscrupulous ship captains. They would be lured into a bar, drugged or knocked unconscious, and then taken aboard a ship without their consent.

Explanation: This example illustrates how shanghaiing was used to force people into working on ships. The sailors were not given a choice and were taken against their will, often under false pretenses. This was a common practice in the past, but it is now illegal.