frisk

[ frisk ]

verb (used without object)

1. to dance, leap, skip, or gambol; frolic:

   The dogs and children frisked about on the lawn.

verb (used with object)

1. to search (a person) for concealed weapons, contraband goods, etc., by feeling the person's clothing:

   The police frisked both of the suspects.

noun

1. a leap, skip, or caper.
2. a frolic or gambol.
3. the act of frisking a person.

frisk

/ frɪsk /

verb

1. intr to leap, move about, or act in a playful manner; frolic
2. tr (esp of animals) to whisk or wave briskly

   the dog frisked its tail

3. tr
   1. to search (someone) by feeling for concealed weapons, etc
   2. to rob by searching in this way

noun

1. a playful antic or movement; frolic
2. the act or an instance of frisking a person

Derived Forms

• ˈfrisker, noun
• ˈfriskingly, adverb

Other Words From

• frisker noun
• frisking·ly adverb
• un·frisking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of frisk¹

1425–75; late Middle English, as adj. < Middle French frisque, perhaps a spelling variant (with mute s ) of fri ( c ) que lively, smart < Germanic (compare Middle Dutch vrec, Old High German freh avaricious, Middle High German vrech brave, German frech insolent); or < Middle French (Flanders) frisque < Middle Dutch frisc fresh

Word History and Origins

Origin of frisk¹

C16: from Old French frisque , of Germanic origin; related to Old High German frisc lively, fresh

Example Sentences

He has called for a return to old policing tactics that have raised constitutional concerns in the past, such as “stop and frisk” and “broken windows” policing; has suggested police shouldn’t be “too nice” while arresting suspects; and has dismissed the need for federal oversight of police departments.

From Los Angeles Times

He has said he would fund police to go after criminals and immigrants who are in the country without authorization in new, proactive ways, including through old strategies such as “stop and frisk.”

From Los Angeles Times

In the lived experience of this country, that means that you can't possibly know what to expect if somebody pulls you over and somebody wants to search your bag, if somebody wants to stop and frisk you.

From Salon

As the officers patted down Flores, the lights on the Nissan blinked — which they assumed was because their frisk had pushed a key fob in Flores’ possession.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a hot night, and the park was full of townsfolk, outdoors after dinner to keep cool, strolling on the graveled walks, chatting on the benches, laughing, watching the children romp and frisk about.

From Literature