How Do You Spell AT GUNPOINT?

Pronunciation: [at ɡˈʌnpɔ͡ɪnt] (IPA)

The phrase "at gunpoint" is used to describe a situation where someone is threatened with a gun. The spelling of this word is fairly straightforward, with each letter making its expected sound. The "at" is pronounced /æt/ and the "gunpoint" is pronounced /ɡʌn.pɔɪnt/. The stress falls on the second syllable, with a short "u" sound in the first syllable and a longer "oy" diphthong in the second. While the phrase itself may be unsettling, its proper spelling is not a cause for concern.

AT GUNPOINT Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "at gunpoint" refers to a situation in which someone is threatened or coerced by another individual who is pointing a gun directly at them. It denotes an extreme level of intimidation, whereby the use of a firearm creates an immediate and tangible threat to one's life or safety. The term typically implies that the person being targeted is forced to comply with the demands or instructions of the individual wielding the gun, out of fear for their own well-being.

   Being at gunpoint implies an imminent danger and a complete loss of control or autonomy over one's own actions. It evokes a state of extreme helplessness and vulnerability, as the person facing the gun is left with limited options and must choose between complying with the assailant's wishes or risking the possibility of harm or even death.

   The phrase is commonly used in conversations, literature, and news reports to illustrate situations involving strong-arm tactics, crime, or hostage scenarios. It serves as a vivid metaphor for the exercise of power through force and coercion. The phrase "at gunpoint" captures the gravity and severity of such circumstances, highlighting the severe emotional and physical impact on those subjected to such threats.

Common Misspellings for AT GUNPOINT

• zt gunpoint
• st gunpoint
• wt gunpoint
• qt gunpoint
• ar gunpoint
• af gunpoint
• ag gunpoint
• ay gunpoint
• a6 gunpoint
• a5 gunpoint
• at funpoint
• at vunpoint
• at bunpoint
• at hunpoint
• at yunpoint
• at tunpoint
• at gynpoint
• at ghnpoint
• at gjnpoint
• at ginpoint

Etymology of AT GUNPOINT

The phrase "at gunpoint" originated from the combination of two words: "gun" and "point".

The term "gun" comes from the Middle English word "gunne", which was derived from the Old Norse word "gunnr". It initially referred to a type of large, mounted, medieval siege weapon. Over time, it evolved to represent various types of firearms.

The word "point" stems from the Old French word "pointe", which means "sharp end" or "pointed end". It can also refer to the action of extending or directing something towards a particular target.

When combined, "gunpoint" refers to the situation where someone is being threatened, controlled, or coerced while facing the barrel or pointed end of a firearm. The phrase "at gunpoint" is commonly used to describe such scenarios.

Idioms with the word AT GUNPOINT

• at gunpoint The phrase "at gunpoint" is an idiomatic expression that means under threat of being shot or harmed by someone holding a gun. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is being forced to do something against their will, usually out of fear for their safety.