point-blank

[point-blangk]

adjective

1. aimed or fired straight at the mark especially from close range; direct.

2. straightforward, plain, or explicit.

   a point-blank denial.

adverb

1. with a direct aim; directly; straight.

2. bluntly; frankly.

   She told him point-blank that he was not welcome.

point-blank

adjective

1. 1. aimed or fired at a target so close that it is unnecessary to make allowance for the drop in the course of the projectile

   2. permitting such aim or fire without loss of accuracy

      at point-blank range

2. plain or blunt

   a point-blank question

adverb

1. directly or straight

2. plainly or bluntly

Word History and Origins

Origin of point-blank¹

First recorded in 1565–75

Word History and Origins

Origin of point-blank¹

C16: from _point + _blank (in the sense: centre spot of an archery target)

Example Sentences

The report documented the shooting at point-blank range of some protesters, the deliberate maiming of others, arbitrary arrests and torture.

Read more on BBC

He’s asked me point-blank, “Why do they hate us? Can I not go to basketball games anymore?”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A hit man shot the mayor at point-blank range in a crowded city square.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Videos shared online by the Sudan Doctors Network and other local rights groups appear to show militia members shooting unarmed civilians at point-blank range in the city on the fringes of the Sahara.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He later claimed that snipers had been stationed at the house across from his, and were "firing at point-blank range at the people".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bluntly 
• candidly 
• directly 
• forthrightly www.thesaurus.com
• frankly 
• straightforwardly www.thesaurus.com