point-blank

adjective

ˈpȯint-ˈblaŋk 

1

a

: marked by no appreciable drop below initial horizontal line of flight

b

: so close to a target that a missile fired will travel in a straight line to the mark

2

: direct, blunt

a point-blank refusal

point-blank adverb

Examples of point-blank in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The feds also accused Gillespie, 33, of two murders in a four-day span in April 2020, the point-blank execution of Brooklyn man Paul Hoilett, then four days later, the killing of Mike Hawley — the getaway driver in Hoilett’s murder. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 18 June 2024

McDavid, Edmonton’s top star, had a point-blank shot in the first minute. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2024

Bob denied Edmonton megastar McDavid point-blank, did the same against a charge by Adam Henrique, then stopped Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the power play. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 9 June 2024

When one of his men fires a flare at the ground at point-blank range, Dementus is enveloped in red smoke, which dyes his cloak red. —James Grebey, Vulture, 25 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

point-blank

adjective

ˈpȯint-ˈblaŋk

1

: aimed at a target from a very short distance away

fired from point-blank range

2

: blunt entry 1 sense 3, direct

a point-blank refusal

point-blank adverb