Meanings
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1
verb
to search a person's clothing and body for concealed weapons, drugs, or other objects
Security officers frisked each visitor before allowing entry.
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2
verb
to leap, run, or play about in a lively way
The dogs frisked around the garden in the morning sun.
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3
noun
a quick physical search of a person for concealed objects
The officer conducted a brief frisk after making the arrest.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English frisk, 'lively,' through Middle French frisque, probably from a Germanic word related to fresh. The early verb meant to frolic or move briskly; the later search sense developed from running the hands rapidly over a person's clothing.