point-blank meaning and definition

POINT-BLANK adjective

Definition of point-blank (adjective)

1. characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
   • "blunt talking and straight shooting"; "a blunt New England farmer"; "I gave them my candid opinion"; "forthright criticism"; "a forthright approach to the problem"; "tell me what you think--and you may just as well be frank"; "it is possible to be outspoken without being rude"; "plainspoken and to the point"; "a point-blank accusation"
   • synonyms: blunt, candid, forthright, frank, free-spoken, outspoken, plainspoken, straight-from-the-shoulder
2. close enough to go straight to the target
   • "point-blank range"; "a point-blank shot"

POINT-BLANK adverb

Definition of point-blank (adverb)

1. in a direct and unequivocal manner
   • "I asked him point-blank whether he wanted the job"