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)

Related Words

• blunt
• frank
• straightforward