gunpoint

[ guhn-point ]

noun

1. the point or aim of a gun. gin. gun.

gunpoint

/ ˈɡʌnˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. the muzzle of a gun
2. at gunpoint
   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

A woman who was held at gunpoint by her ex-partner has said the ordeal was "not as awful as being stalked" as she criticised the "shockingly low" number of protection orders issued.

From BBC

Boyle Heights and the MacArthur Park area, gaining their trust through friendly conversation in order to kidnap and rob their victims at gunpoint, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

It's also taking place in the West Bank, where Israel has built dozens of illegal settlements and Palestinians are routinely arrested, harassed or evicted from their homes at gunpoint.

From Salon

The extremist settler who runs it, Zvi Bar Yosef, was sanctioned this year by the UK and other Western governments for repeated acts of violence against Palestinians, including twice threatening families at gunpoint.

From BBC

Members would force security guards to the ground at gunpoint, zip-tie them and grab money bags before fleeing, according to law enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times