point blank

point blank
The distance between a gun and a target such that it requires minimal effort in aiming it. In particular no allowance needs to be made for effects of gravity, target movement or wind in aiming the projectile.
2. adverb
a) Horizontally (as the angle at which a projectile is launched); directly or straight (at the target).

I asked him point blank whether he was cheating on his wife.

b) Directly; bluntly; without pretense or caution.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • point-blank — adv 1.) if you say or refuse something point blank, you do it directly and without trying to explain your reasons ▪ He refused point blank to identify his accomplices. ▪ I told him point blank that I didn t want to get involved. 2.) a gun fired… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • point-blank — [point′blaŋk′] adj. [ POINT + BLANK, n. 4] 1. Gunnery a) aimed horizontally, straight at a mark, at such close range that rise and fall in the projectile s flight need not be considered b) of or suitable for such fire [point blank range] …   English World dictionary

  • Point-blank — a. 1. Directed in a line toward the object aimed at; aimed directly toward the mark. [1913 Webster] 2. Hence, direct; plain; unqualified; said of language; as, a point blank assertion. [1913 Webster] {Point blank range}, the extent of the appare …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • point-blank — adverb 1. ) in a very firm and direct way: Polly declared point blank that she would never go there again. When I asked him point blank how much money was left, he wouldn t answer me. 2. ) with the gun held very close to the person who is shot:… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • Point-blank — adv. In a point blank manner. [1913 Webster] To sin point blank against God s word. Fuller. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • point blank — 1570s, from POINT (Cf. point) (v.) + BLANK (Cf. blank) (n.), the white center of a target. The notion is of standing close enough to aim (point) at the blank without allowance for curve, windage, or gravity …   Etymology dictionary

  • Point-blank — n. [F. point point + blanc white.] 1. The white spot on a target, at which an arrow or other missile is aimed. [Obs.] Jonson. [1913 Webster] 2. (Mil.) (a) With all small arms, the second point in which the natural line of sight, when horizontal …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Point Blank — Point Blank, TX U.S. city in Texas Population (2000): 559 Housing Units (2000): 403 Land area (2000): 1.882567 sq. miles (4.875827 sq. km) Water area (2000): 0.302913 sq. miles (0.784541 sq. km) Total area (2000): 2.185480 sq. miles (5.660368 sq …   StarDict's U.S. Gazetteer Places

  • Point Blank, TX — U.S. city in Texas Population (2000): 559 Housing Units (2000): 403 Land area (2000): 1.882567 sq. miles (4.875827 sq. km) Water area (2000): 0.302913 sq. miles (0.784541 sq. km) Total area (2000): 2.185480 sq. miles (5.660368 sq. km) FIPS code:… …   StarDict's U.S. Gazetteer Places

  • point-blank — if you refuse point blank, you refuse completely and will not change your decision. Journalists were infuriated by her point blank refusal to discuss their divorce. (always before noun) …   New idioms dictionary

  • point-blank — index direct (forthright) Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

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