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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gunpoint

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

A Minneapolis pastor who protested ICE by chanting “We are not afraid” was detained at gunpoint by an agent who reportedly asked him: “Are you afraid now?”

From Slate ● Jan. 13, 2026

At Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, a 16-year-old student was handcuffed at gunpoint after an AI-powered security system misidentified a crumpled bag of Doritos as a firearm.

From Salon ● Oct. 26, 2025

One of the people being held at gunpoint was Sergeant Bruce Prothero, a thirty-five-year-old, thirteen-year veteran of the Baltimore County police department.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore