Definition

1. Verb:
   • To search a person for concealed weapons, drugs, or other contraband by requiring them to remove their clothes.

Usage

• The verb "strip-search" is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the person being searched). It is typically used in formal or legal contexts, such as law enforcement, border security, or prison procedures. The action is invasive and is usually conducted under specific legal authority or suspicion.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The customs officers had the authority to strip-search the suspect.
  • Inmates may be strip-searched upon entering the facility.
  • The police strip-searched the individual after detecting an anomaly on the scanner.

Advanced Usage

• Passive Voice: Often used in the passive voice to describe the experience of the person searched.

  • He was strip-searched by border agents.
  • Protesters claimed they were illegally strip-searched.

• As a Noun (less common): The procedure itself can be referred to as "a strip-search."

  • The detainee underwent a humiliating strip-search.

Variants and Related Words

• Search (verb/noun): The general act of examining someone or something to find something concealed.
• Frisk (verb): To search a person by running the hands over their clothing, typically less invasive than a strip-search.
• Pat-down (noun): A search conducted by feeling the surface of a person's clothing.

Synonyms

• Body-search: A more general term that can include a strip-search.
• Search thoroughly: A descriptive phrase for an intensive search.

Related Phrases

• To conduct a strip-search: The formal action of performing the search.
  • The protocol required the guards to conduct a strip-search.
• To be subjected to a strip-search: To be forced to undergo the procedure.
  • Prisoners are often subjected to strip-searches.

Verb

1. search (someone) for weapons or drugs by having the person remove their clothes
   • He was strip-searched at the airport