pat-down

Or pat down

[pat-doun]

noun

1. an act or instance of passing the hands over the body of a clothed person to detect concealed weapons, drugs, etc.; frisking.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pat-down¹

Noun use of verb phrase pat down

Example Sentences

In 2024, the Office of Detention Oversight found one detainee who alleged an officer inappropriately squeezed his chest and genitals during a pat-down search, and another told inspectors he had thoughts of self-harming because of the poor conditions inside the facility.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Each stopped for a full-body pat-down before being directed to ascend the stairwell onto the plane.

Read more on Slate

The report singled out Mesa Verde facility’s pat-down search policy as a particular cause for concern.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

During each, the men lined up in pairs with their hands clasped behind their backs, submitted to a brief pat-down, and trudged with their heads down into basement shelters until the all-clear.

Read more on Seattle Times

Anoush Morel, the director of Her Game Too France, told L’Equipe and RMC Sport that her breasts, buttocks and groin were touched by a female security officer during a pat-down at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on Tuesday night.

Read more on Seattle Times

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