pat down

verb

patted down; patting down; pats down
Synonyms of pat downnext

transitive verb

: frisk

Examples of pat down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After they were patted down, the women timidly entered the small space, sitting side-by-side in salon chairs to wait for Dastine and her two assistants to assess their hair. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 8 Oct. 2026 Investigators learned that Frett went to the bathroom after being patted down — possibly to move the gun from behind the ankle monitor to the inside of his pants. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026 They’re trained to be as discreet as possible and will ask you for maybe a pat down or second check. — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 Romo complied with the officer’s commands and exited the car before being patted down and detained and taken to level ground for the field sobriety test. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pat down

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pat down was circa 1957

Rhymes for pat down

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Browse Nearby Words

patd
pat down
pâté
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Cite this Entry

“Pat down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pat%20down. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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