gunpoint

[guhn-point]

noun

1. the point or aim of a gun. gin. gun.

gunpoint

/ ˈɡʌnˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. the muzzle of a gun

2. being under or using the threat of being shot

Word History and Origins

Origin of gunpoint¹

First recorded in 1955–60; gun ¹ + point

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at gunpoint, under threat of being shot.

   He carried out the robber's orders at gunpoint.

Example Sentences

“Iza then held the victim at gunpoint and demanded the victim’s business partner transfer money to him, which the victim’s business partner did later that day.”

From Los Angeles Times

She claims that she’s used the N-word only once to describe an incident that took place in 1986, when she allegedly was held at gunpoint by a Black man.

From Salon

But of course it’s not, especially when citizens and legal residents are being stopped at gunpoint and dragged from their cars.

From Salon

"We were held at gunpoint by a guy who entered the country illegally on a boat. I am just one example," he adds.

From BBC

On 28 August, her husband and brother-in-law kidnapped the boy at gunpoint, tortured him and threw his battered body into a river.

From BBC