body search
/ˈbɑːdi sɜːrtʃ/
Meaning
A body search is a comprehensive physical examination of a person's body to detect hidden weapons, drugs, or contraband. In travel contexts, it is a more thorough and formal procedure than a simple pat-down, often conducted in a private area by authorized security or customs personnel.
Examples
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The suspect was taken to a private room for a thorough body search by border control.
The suspect was taken to a private room for a thorough body search by border control.
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Airport security officers are authorized to conduct a body search if they have reasonable suspicion.
Airport security officers are authorized to conduct a body search if they have reasonable suspicion.
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She felt uncomfortable during the routine body search, even though it was standard procedure.
She felt uncomfortable during the routine body search, even though it was standard procedure.
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A complete body search is usually a last resort when electronic scanners detect something unusual.
A complete body search is usually a last resort when electronic scanners detect something unusual.
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The international drug smuggler was caught after a detailed body search at the border crossing.
The international drug smuggler was caught after a detailed body search at the border crossing.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The police did a body find on him.
✓ The police conducted a body search on him.
'Find' is not used as a noun in this context. The correct collocation is 'conduct a body search' or 'perform a body search'.
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✗ I had to do a physical body search.
✓ I had to undergo a body search.
If you are the person being searched, you 'undergo' or 'have' a search; you do not 'do' it yourself.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Customs officers decided to conduct a full ___ after the drug-sniffing dog barked.
💡 A thorough physical check of a person
Show answer
body search
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No illegal items were found on the passenger during the ___.
💡 Detailed physical examination by security
Show answer
body search