1. point-blank(s = adj.all) blunt, candid, forthright, frank, free-spoken, outspoken, plainspoken, straight-from-the-shoulder - 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"
2. point-blank(s = adj.all) - close enough to go straight to the target; "point-blank range"; "a point-blank shot"
point-blank(r = adv.all) - in a direct and unequivocal manner; "I asked him point-blank whether he wanted the job"
1. The white spot on a target, at which an arrow or other missile is aimed. Jonson. [1913 Webster]
2. With all small arms, the second point in which the natural line of sight, when horizontal, cuts the trajectory. [1913 Webster]
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]
In a point-blank manner. [1913 Webster]
"To sin point-blank against God's word." [1913 Webster]
point-blank, adj. & adv.
--adj.
1 a (of a shot) aimed or fired horizontally at a range very close to the target. b (of a distance or range) very close.
2 (of a remark, question, etc.) blunt, direct.
--adv.
1 at very close range.
2 directly, bluntly.
Etymology:
prob. f. POINT + BLANK = white spot in the centre of a target
N plainness, simplicity, severity, plain terms, plain English, Saxon English, household words, plain, simple, unornamented, unadorned, unvarnished, homely, homespun, neat, severe, chaste, pure, Saxon, commonplace, matter-of- fact, natural, prosaic, dry, unvaried, monotonous, in plain terms, in plain words, in plain English, in plain common parlance, point-blank.