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

“I’ve been assaulted at gunpoint, and the police said we can’t do anything because they didn’t shoot me,” said one business owner, who declined to give their name due to fear of retaliation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Deltas took the mine from a weakened Caborca cartel at gunpoint.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They are also alleged to have committed acts of violence, including a robbery at gunpoint and extortion against victims.

Read more on BBC

Violence erupted at an illegal mining site in Birnin Gwari district when a bandit kingpin "extorted gold from miners at gunpoint", the report said.

Read more on Barron's

A softly spoken 18-year-old called Bisan recalled how her father was taken away at gunpoint, when she was just four years old.

Read more on BBC