gunpoint

American  

[guhn-point] / ˈgʌnˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. the point or aim of a gun.

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idioms

1. at gunpoint, under threat of being shot.

   He carried out the robber's orders at gunpoint.

gunpoint British  

/ ˈɡʌnˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. the muzzle of a gun

2. being under or using the threat of being shot

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Etymology

Origin of gunpoint

First recorded in 1955–60; gun ¹ + point

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gunpoint

Last year, Fortune reported that “more than seven in 10 of these high earners are now being forced to shop at discount grocery chains to save cash” — as if at gunpoint?

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026

Among the 70-year-old's most famous pieces, produced with his brother Gao Qiang, is a sculpture comprising a squad of Mao-like figures holding Jesus Christ at gunpoint.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

That set off a series of escalating reactions by American Fork police to the YouTuber’s shenanigans, culminating in a search of his Airbnb at gunpoint.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

Many of them have been allegedly pushed across the border at gunpoint, according to activists and lawyers who have challenged the measures in court.

From Barron's ● May 25, 2026

It was as if someone had slipped into the Kremlin in 1950 and held Stalin at gunpoint, leaving the nation, accustomed to obeying a tyrant, utterly rudderless.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

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