1 B2 neutral
to check a person by feeling the outside of their clothes for weapons or hidden objects
"Security staff patted the man down before he entered the building."
separable
pat down
B2 neutral separable transitive
to touch a person's clothes with the hands to check for hidden objects
In plain English
to feel someone’s clothes with your hands to see if they are hiding something
What does "pat down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
to smooth or press something down with light touches of the hand
"She patted down her hair and looked in the mirror one last time."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to gently tap downward over a surface with the hand
Actually means
to feel someone’s clothes with your hands to see if they are hiding something
Usage tip
Most often used for security or police checks. Usually followed by an object such as 'a suspect' or 'passengers'.
Words that pair with "pat down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
suspect passenger jacket pockets clothes security guard
How to conjugate "pat down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pat down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pats down
he/she/it
Past simple
pated down
yesterday
Past participle
pated down
have + pp
-ing form
pating down
continuous
Hear "pat down" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pat down"
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