Pat down Meaning in English
expression
ˈpæt/ /ˈdaʊn
PAT-down
pˈæt/ /dˈaʊn
PAT-down
Definition
To search someone by gently running your hands over their clothes to check for hidden objects, often done by security or police.
Usage & Nuances
'Pat down' is semi-formal, used especially in security and police contexts. It's never used for searching bags—only the body surface. Can be a noun ('a pat-down') or verb ('to pat down'). Sometimes called a 'frisk' (slightly more formal).
Spanish: cachear - registrar (persona)Portuguese (BR): revistar (com as mãos) - fazer uma revista pessoalPortuguese (PT): revistar (com as mãos) - fazer uma revista pessoalChinese (Simplified): 拍身搜查 - 身體檢查Chinese (Traditional): 拍身搜查 - 身體檢查Hindi: तलाशी लेना (हाथ से)Arabic: تفتيش جسديBengali: তল্লাশি করা - হাত দিয়ে পরীক্ষা করা (ব্যক্তির পোশাকের ওপর দিয়ে)Russian: обыскать (поглаживая по одежде) - проводить обыск (по поверхности тела)Japanese: ボディチェックする - 体を軽くたたいて調べるVietnamese: kiểm tra người - khám xét bên ngoài quần áoKorean: 신체 수색하다 - 몸을 가볍게 더듬어 검사하다Turkish: üst araması yapmak - vücudu yoklamakUrdu: تلاشی لینا (ہاتھ سے کپڑوں کے اوپر) - جسمانی تلاشی لیناIndonesian: menggeledah badan - memeriksa tubuh (dengan tangan di atas pakaian)
Example Sentences
The officer needs to pat down everyone before they enter.
basic
They will pat down your pockets at the airport.
basic
Security guards often pat down people at concerts.
basic
Do you mind if I pat down your jacket?
natural
At big events, everyone gets a quick pat down at the entrance.
natural
He felt nervous while the officer patted down his legs.
natural