point-blank

UK: /ˌpɔɪntˈblæŋk/ US: (point′blangk′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ˈpoint-ˈblank,  adj. 

1. aimed or fired straight at the mark esp. from close to or near the target;
   direct:
   a point-blank shot.
2. straightforward;
   plain;
   direct:
   a point-blank denial.

adv. 

3. with a direct aim;
   directly;
   straight:
   He aimed point-blank and fired.
4. in a blunt way;
   frankly:
   answered point-blank that he would not pass that student.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

point-blank  (point′blangk′), adj. 

1. aimed or fired straight at the mark esp. from close range;
   direct.
2. straightforward, plain, or explicit:
   a point-blank denial.

adv. 

3. with a direct aim;
   directly;
   straight.
4. bluntly;
   frankly:
   She told him point-blank that he was not welcome.

• 1565–75

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

point-blank adjective

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
3. plain or blunt: a point-blank question

adverb

1. directly or straight
2. plainly or bluntly

Etymology: 16th Century: from point + blank (in the sense: centre spot of an archery target)