Frisking - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

searching someone

Frisking refers to the act of patting down someone’s clothing to search for concealed items, typically weapons or contraband. This practice is often employed by law enforcement officials during arrests or security checks. The goal of frisking is to ensure safety and to prevent the carrying of illegal items.

Synonyms

inspect, pat-down, search.

Examples of usage

The police are frisking the suspect for hidden weapons.
Security personnel are frisking attendees at the concert.
The guard began frisking patrons as they entered the event.
He was frisked before boarding the airplane.

Interesting Facts

Law Enforcement

Frisking is commonly used by police during stops to ensure officer safety by checking if an individual is carrying a weapon.
The legal framework for frisking was established in the 1968 Supreme Court case 'Terry v. Ohio,' which allowed stop-and-frisk searches under certain conditions.
Policies on frisking vary widely across jurisdictions, with some regions enforcing strict regulations to prevent racial profiling.

Psychology

Frisking can induce feelings of anxiety or confrontation for individuals being searched, impacting trust in law enforcement.
Psychological studies often highlight the power dynamics at play when a person is frisked, as it can evoke feelings of vulnerability.
Research indicates that the manner and attitude of the officer conducting the frisk can significantly affect the individual's response.

Cultural References

Frisking is sometimes depicted in films and TV shows, portraying law enforcement's role in maintaining safety, albeit sometimes controversially.
In literature, frisking may symbolize the invasion of personal space and privacy, raising questions about authority and personal rights.
Certain cultural narratives focus on the implications of frisking, especially in urban settings, where it intersects with issues of race and ethics.

Current Events

In recent years, public discourse has intensified around the ethics of frisking practices, sparking debates about civil liberties.
Activism and movements advocating for police reform often include calls for greater oversight and limits on the use of frisking.
Some cities have enacted legislation aimed at reducing the frequency of stop-and-frisk procedures, highlighting community concerns.

Origin of 'frisking'

Main points about word origin

The term 'frisk' originates from the Middle English word 'frisk,' which means to leap or skip, suggesting a light, quick motion.
It was first recorded in the 16th century, evolving from a term that meant lively or playful in movement.
The modern sense of the word connected to searching emerged in the early 20th century.

The word 'frisk' originates from the late 17th century, derived from the combination of the Middle English word 'friske,' meaning 'lively or playful.' In a law enforcement context, 'frisking' evolved to specifically describe a type of search that involves a physical pat-down to locate any concealed weapons or illegal items. Over time, the act of frisking became an important tool for police officers and security personnel, particularly in the context of preventing crime and ensuring public safety. The term reflects both the physical action and the legal authority possessed by officers to conduct such searches under specified circumstances, particularly when they have reasonable suspicion.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,092, 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.

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35089 bafflement
35090 empyrean
35091 situationally
35092 frisking
35093 ethene
35094 mangling
35095 disgracing
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Frisking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations