security pat-down

Meaning

A security pat-down is a physical search of a person's body over their clothing, conducted by a security officer. It is usually performed at airport checkpoints if a passenger triggers the metal detector, opts out of a body scanner, or is selected for additional screening.

Examples

• Since my knee replacement set off the metal detector, I had to get a security pat-down.

  Since my knee replacement set off the metal detector, I had to get a security pat-down.

• The officer explained the procedure before starting the security pat-down.

  The officer explained the procedure before starting the security pat-down.

• You have the right to request that a security pat-down be conducted in a private room.

  You have the right to request that a security pat-down be conducted in a private room.

• I had to undergo a quick security pat-down because I forgot to take a coin out of my pocket.

  I had to undergo a quick security pat-down because I forgot to take a coin out of my pocket.

• Security pat-downs are always performed by an officer of the same gender as the passenger.

  Security pat-downs are always performed by an officer of the same gender as the passenger.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The officer made me a security touch.

  ✓ The officer gave me a security pat-down.

  'Security touch' is incorrect and sounds unnatural. The correct noun phrase is 'pat-down', used with the verbs 'give', 'do', or 'conduct'.

• ✗ I was selected for a security patting.

  ✓ I was selected for a security pat-down.

  'Patting' is not used as a noun in this context; 'pat-down' is the standard terminology.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you prefer not to go through the full-body scanner, you can request a ___ instead.

  💡 A physical search over your clothes

  Show answer

  security pat-down

• The TSA agent performed a ___ after the alarm beeped.

  💡 Physical inspection at the airport checkpoint

  Show answer

  security pat-down