frisk
UK[frɪsk]US[frɪsk]
v
to move in a lively, playful way by jumping, skipping, or dancing
v
to pass your hands over someone's body to search for hidden weapons or other items
Etymology
the word 'frisk' presents a journey from a concrete quality to an abstract action. it originates from the middle french adjective 'frisque', denoting liveliness and briskness, which itself is believed to be borrowed from a germanic source related to old high german 'frisc' (fresh). entering english in the early 16th century, it initially described something as lively or brisk. the verb form, meaning to leap or skip playfully, naturally evolved from this core sense of energetic freshness. the specific law enforcement meaning, to search someone by patting, emerged in the late 18th century, metaphorically extending the idea of quick, light, probing movements.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it entered english as a loanword from middle french 'frisque', meaning lively or brisk. the french term likely has germanic origins, possibly from old high german 'frisc' meaning fresh or lively.
Examples
the lambs began to frisk about in the spring meadow.
the security guard had to frisk the suspect before allowing him into the building.
puppies will often frisk around their owners when they are excited.