pat-down
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of pat-down
Noun use of verb phrase pat down
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Each stopped for a full-body pat-down before being directed to ascend the stairwell onto the plane.
From Slate • Jun. 19, 2025
The report singled out Mesa Verde facility’s pat-down search policy as a particular cause for concern.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2025
While metal-detecting wands were used on some people, others simply faced a pat-down, while Gordon's bag was not searched at all, the trial heard.
From BBC • Mar. 25, 2024
Rocha had conducted a routine pat-down of Rotter’s waistband but had not found Rotter’s firearm, according to court documents.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2023
I walked toward the gate that led to the lobby of the visitation room, where I expected a routine pat-down before entering the visitation area.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
