Definition

Noun: 1. The act of searching a person by running one's hands over their clothing to find concealed items: A frisking is a security or law enforcement procedure where an officer pats down a person's outer clothing to detect hidden objects, typically weapons or illegal contraband.

Usage

A "frisking" is a specific type of search conducted for safety and security purposes. It is less invasive than a full search and is typically performed in public places, at security checkpoints, or during police stops when there is a reasonable suspicion that a person may be armed or dangerous.

Examples

• The security guard performed a frisking at the airport entrance.
• The police officer conducted a quick frisking of the individual before placing him in the patrol car.
• For everyone's safety, a mandatory frisking is required before entering the courthouse.

Advanced Usage

• "To subject someone to a frisking": To make someone undergo this type of search.
  • All visitors were subjected to a thorough frisking before the event.

Variants and Related Words

• Frisk (verb): To perform the act of frisking.
  • The officer will frisk the suspect.
• Pat-down (noun): A near-synonym for a frisking, often used interchangeably.
  • He received a pat-down at the stadium gate.

Synonyms

• Pat-down, body search (limited to exterior), search.

Related Phrases

• Stop and frisk: A police practice of temporarily detaining a person and patting them down for weapons.
  • The "stop and frisk" policy has been a topic of legal debate.

Noun

1. the act of searching someone for concealed weapons or illegal drugs
   • he gave the suspect a quick frisk