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Glite Dictionary
Triple Frontier

Triple Frontier

8.4
A border area where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet that is known for smuggling and other crime
  • proper noun
  • NSFW
translation icon : Triple Frontera
  • The Triple Frontier is notorious for its lawlessness and cross-border smuggling.

Examples

  • Authorities increased security operations in the Triple Frontier after reports of illegal activities.

  • Many journalists have investigated criminal networks operating in the Triple Frontier area.

  • The Triple Frontier is notorious for illegal activities.

  • Many documentaries explore the issues in the Triple Frontier region.

  • Authorities increased security operations in the Triple Frontier after reports of illegal activities.

  • Many journalists have investigated criminal networks operating in the Triple Frontier area.

  • The Triple Frontier is notorious for its lawlessness and cross-border smuggling.

Surface Forms

Triple Frontier main

Morphology

triple + frontier

The compound is compositionally built from 'triple' (threefold) + 'frontier' (border), so a learner who knows those words can infer it refers to a border area involving three countries. The specific local reference (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay) and any connotations about illicit activity are encyclopedic details not derivable, but the basic locational meaning is transparent.

Etymology

Triple Frontier comes from the simple image of triple meaning 'three' and frontier meaning 'border', where three countries meet at one point. Because three borders touch there, it is easy to cross between countries and the area became known for 'smuggling' and 'money laundering', so the name now refers to that border region with much illegal activity.