pat-down: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, official, law enforcement, journalism
Quick answer
What does “pat-down” mean?
A security procedure in which someone's body is patted by hand, typically to check for concealed weapons or other prohibited items.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A security procedure in which someone's body is patted by hand, typically to check for concealed weapons or other prohibited items.
A thorough, systematic manual search of a person's clothing and body surfaces, usually in a security context such as at airports or public events. It can also refer more broadly to any careful, methodical physical search.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. Spelling: 'pat-down' (hyphenated) is standard in both, but occasionally written as 'pat down' (verb) or 'patdown' (noun) in informal AmE contexts.
Connotations
Neutral-to-negative (implies suspicion, inconvenience, intrusion of privacy). No significant difference between UK and US.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects, closely tied to media reports on security procedures.
Grammar
How to Use “pat-down” in a Sentence
subject + give/perform/conduct + indirect object + a pat-down (noun)subject + pat + object + down (verb)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pat-down” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The officer had to pat down the suspect before placing him in the vehicle.
- You may be patted down if the scanner alerts.
American English
- Security will pat you down if you opt out of the body scanner.
- The cop patted him down for weapons.
adjective
British English
- The pat-down procedure is outlined in the manual.
- He underwent a pat-down search.
American English
- The TSA has specific pat-down protocols.
- A pat-down inspection was required.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only in security firm contexts.
Academic
Rare; possibly in criminology or security studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing airport security, concert entry, or law enforcement encounters.
Technical
Used in law enforcement, aviation security, and event management protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pat-down”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pat-down”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pat-down”
- Using 'pat-down' for a medical examination (incorrect).
- Using 'pat-down' as a verb without the particle 'down' (e.g., 'He patted me' instead of 'He patted me down').
- Confusing 'pat-down' with 'pat on the back' (which is for praise).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A pat-down is a search over clothing. A strip search involves the removal of clothing and is far more invasive.
In many security contexts (like airports), refusal means you will not be allowed to proceed (e.g., board your flight). Refusal during a lawful police stop may lead to detention.
They are largely synonymous. 'Frisk' is slightly more informal and can imply quicker motions. 'Pat-down' is the more standard, neutral term in official contexts.
As a noun, it is almost always hyphenated: pat-down. As a verb phrase, it is two words: to pat someone down.
A security procedure in which someone's body is patted by hand, typically to check for concealed weapons or other prohibited items.
Pat-down is usually formal, official, law enforcement, journalism in register.
Pat-down: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpæt daʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpæt ˌdaʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a security guard PATting you DOWN from your shoulders to your ankles.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS PHYSICAL SCRUTINY; THE BODY IS A CONTAINER TO BE SEARCHED.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is a 'pat-down' LEAST likely to occur?