point-blank

Meaning

Adj

1. (not-comparable) Very close; not touching but not more than a few metres (yards).
2. (not-comparable) 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. (not-comparable) Disconcertingly straightforward or blunt; outright.

Adv

In a direct manner, without hesitation.

Synonyms

frank

forthright

direct

candid

blunt

outspoken

free-spoken

straight

plainspoken

right

straightforward

⬆️

categorically

flat

harshly

outright

sharply

directly

straight-from-the-shoulder

outspokenly

plain

plainly

plum

plump

sheer

slap

square

squarely

straightaway

straight from the shoulder

straight line

straight-out

stretch

true

unbent

unbowed

uncrossed

uncurled

unreservedly

untwisted

unmediated

uncurved

baldly

uncurving

bang

bluntly

categorical

curt

downright

due

flatly

Translations

de but en blanc

a bocajarro

à brûle-pourpoint

a bruciapelo

a quemarropa

offen

glatt

à bout portant

franc

🆓

unverblümt

sincer

direct

directo

schroff

Etymology

From French point blanc (“white point”), originally referring to the white spot to be aimed at on a target (see blank's "bull's eye") or alternatively into empty space being fired horizontally.