gunpoint

UK: ˈɡʌn.pɔɪnt | US: ˈɡʌn.pɔɪnt

Definition

  1. n. the end of a gun barrel; the muzzle

  2. n. a situation where someone is threatened with a gun

Structure
gun <firearm>point <tip or end>
Etymology

The word "gunpoint" is a straightforward compound of "gun" (from Old Norse "gunnr," meaning war) and "point" (from Latin "punctum," meaning a sharp tip). It emerged in the 19th century to literally describe the muzzle of a gun and later metaphorically for situations involving armed threats. The logic is direct: the "point" of a gun is where danger is most imminent.

Examples

  1. The robber held the cashier at gunpoint.

  2. He was forced to surrender at gunpoint.

  3. The police disarmed the suspect before he could reach gunpoint.

  4. She described the terrifying moment she was held at gunpoint.

  5. The hostage managed to escape despite being at gunpoint.