DictionaryfriskPlayful movement
verb

frisk

To skip or move about playfully.

The lambs frisk around their mother in the spring sunshine.

Etymology

The French source meant to skip or gambol. The playful-movement sense preserves that lively bodily action.

More examples

  • The puppies frisk across the lawn after breakfast.
  • Her pony frisked about when she opened the gate.
  • We watch the calves frisking in the pasture.

Forms

frisk · frisks · frisked · frisking

frisky adjective — Lively and full of playful energy.

Similar words

frolic
Covers playful activity generally, not just skipping or bounding.
gambol
Emphasizes playful leaps and bounds, especially by young animals.
romp
Suggests rougher, more boisterous play rather than light, skipping movements.