frisk

play

verb \ˈfrisk\

Definition of frisk

intransitive verb
: to leap, skip, or dance in a lively or playful way : gambol
transitive verb
: to search (a person) for something (such as a concealed weapon) by running the hand rapidly over the clothing and through the pockets

frisker

noun

See frisk defined for English-language learners

See frisk defined for kids

Examples of frisk in a Sentence

carefree kids laughing and frisking about in their backyard

Origin and Etymology of frisk

obsolete frisk lively

First Known Use: 1519

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

frisk

noun

Definition of frisk

1a archaic : caperb : gambol, rompc : diversion
2 : an act of frisking

Examples of frisk in a Sentence

fondly remembers the summer before he started college as one long frisk

1525

First Known Use of frisk

1525

FRISK Defined for English Language Learners

frisk

play

verb

Definition of frisk for English Language Learners

: to pass your hands over (someone) to search for something that may be hidden in clothing

FRISK Defined for Kids

frisk

play

verb \ˈfrisk\

Definition of frisk for Students

frisked

;

frisking

1 : to move around in a lively or playful way
2 : to search a person quickly for something that may be hidden

Law Dictionary

frisk

transitive verb

Legal Definition of frisk

: to run the hand rapidly over the outer clothing of (a suspect) for the purpose of finding concealed weapons — compare search

frisk

noun

Additional Notes on frisk

The purpose of frisking a suspect is to insure the safety of an officer making an investigation against concealed weapons, not to uncover evidence. The officer must be justified in his or her encounter of the suspect and must have a reasonable suspicion that the suspect is armed. The scope of the frisk must be limited to the discovery of weapons.