Phrasal verb
pat down
Definition
phrasal verb. to search someone by touching their clothes with your hands to check for hidden items like weapons.
phrasal verb. to search a person for concealed items by passing the hands over their outer clothing. Transitive; frequently used in law enforcement or security contexts.
Examples
“The security guard had to pat down every guest at the entrance.”
“Before entering the high-security facility, all visitors were required to be patted down by the guards.”
“The officer proceeded to pat down the suspect, discovering a concealed blade tucked into the waistband of his trousers.”
Examples
simple
“The security guard had to pat down every guest at the entrance.”
contextual
“Before entering the high-security facility, all visitors were required to be patted down by the guards.”
complex
“The officer proceeded to pat down the suspect, discovering a concealed blade tucked into the waistband of his trousers.”
Usage
takes a person as the direct object and is optionally separable.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'frisk' (a more formal synonym) and 'search' (a broader term); 'pat down' describes the specific physical action of the hands.
Pitfall
The guard patted down to the man.
The guard patted the man down.
no preposition 'to' is used; the person being searched is the direct object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
pat + down + object
Synonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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