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Frisked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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frisked

[frɪskt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical search

To frisk someone means to search them for weapons or illegal items by patting down their clothing. This action is commonly performed by law enforcement officers to ensure safety during encounters. The individual being frisked is typically standing, and the search is conducted quickly and respectfully. It is important for officers to follow legal protocols to ensure the search is not invasive.

Synonyms

examine, inspect, pat-down, search.

Examples of usage

  • The police frisked the suspect before placing him in the squad car.
  • During the security check, the guard frisked every person entering the building.
  • I felt uncomfortable when the officer frisked me at the checkpoint.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law Enforcement

  • In law enforcement, frisking is a quick pat-down search to ensure someone isn't carrying weapons.
  • Frisking is legally defined to protect officers and the public but is subject to regulations to prevent abuse.
  • The technique is taught widely in police training programs around the world as part of protocols for officer safety.

Cultural Practices

  • In some cultures, frisking is a common practice at festivals or events to ensure safety and prevent unlawful items.
  • Historically, frisking has varied in acceptability depending on regional attitudes toward personal privacy and safety.
  • In many security contexts, including airports, frisking has become routine to prevent dangerous situations.

Psychology

  • The act of frisking can evoke feelings of discomfort or anxiety in individuals due to the invasion of personal space.
  • Understanding body language during a frisk can reveal insights about compliance or resistance from the person being searched.
  • Research indicates that how frisking is conducted (politeness vs. aggression) greatly influences the emotional response of the individual.

Pop Culture

  • Frisking is often portrayed in movies and TV shows, often depicted as a humorous or dramatic moment during a police encounter.
  • Several crime dramas highlight the tension involved in a frisk, showcasing its importance in police procedural narratives.
  • In meme culture, 'getting frisked' has been humorously referenced to play on the experience of unexpected searches.

Origin of 'frisked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in the Middle English word 'frisken,' which meant to leap or jump playfully.
  • Originally, 'frisk' was associated with being lively or energetic before evolving to its current meaning related to searching.
  • It can also be connected to the Dutch word 'frissen,' which means to freshen or revive.

The term 'frisk' has its origins in the early 16th century, deriving from the Dutch word 'frisk,' which means 'to leap or skip.' Initially, it was used in the context of lively movement and energetic behavior. Over time, the meaning evolved, particularly in English, where it began to include the act of searching someone by patting them down. The connection to searching likely arose from the notion of checking someone thoroughly, much like one would in a light, playful manner. Over the centuries, this term has been widely adopted in law enforcement contexts, becoming commonplace in descriptions of police procedures.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,235, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.