Point-blank

Origin

French point blanc, white point, originally referring to the white spot to be aimed at on a target.

Full definition of point-blank

Adjective

1. (forensics) very close; not touching but not more than a few metres (yards).
2. (ballistics) the distance between a firearm and a target where a projectile in flight is expected to strike the centre of the target without adjusting the elevation of the firearm.
3. Disconcertingly straightforward or blunt.a point-blank assertion

Derived terms

• point-blank range

Adverb

1. In a direct manner, without hesitation.