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

She said her rival wanted “unchecked power” and later, during a CNN Town Hall, was asked point-blank if she believed he was a "fascist".

From BBC

But when he drops back into shotgun he starts directing traffic the way he would in an NFL game, barking at his pint-sized teammates and rocketing point-blank spirals at them.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s one really poignant moment when Lily and her mom are building the baby crib ,and Lily asks her point-blank why she never left her dad.

From Salon

Those players are within point-blank range of the “set up zone” between the 30- and 35-yard lines, the area where at least nine of the return-team blockers are required to assemble.

From Los Angeles Times

On Wednesday, dramatic video images showed a mayoral candidate in the southern state of Guerrero being shot in the head at point-blank rage with a pistol.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• blunt
• frank
• straightforward